For a time, there was an arms-length relationship between tennis coaches in our state and the Michigan High School Athletic Association. The former was regarded by some coaches as the folks in the East Lansing ivory tower who made and enforced rules without knowing much about how the sport is coached and played. More importantly, the assistant director in charge of tennis was seen as the person who, by means of regional assignments, determined whether your team would qualify for state competition. This was especially prevalent in an era when regionals were comprised of 16 teams and you could qualify with as few as two or three good players. More than one coach blamed his failure to compete at the state tournament in Kalamazoo to questionable geography with regard to his regional assignment.
That changed markedly in the early ‘70s, due in large part to pioneers such as Bob Wood, Tiger Teusink, and Bob Quinn who established a good working relationship with then-director Warren McKenzie. When the flight system for determining the state team champion was instituted – and the need for an effective seeding system quickly became evident – the relationship between the two organizations became even closer. The two organizations worked together to establish NCAA-type area seeding meetings to be held by representatives (i.e. MHSTeCA members) immediately after the regional and then the seeding and draws were (and are) conducted by those representatives and their final meet managers in East Lansing.
Our association also pressed hard for rules meetings and when they were instituted, Warren became an even more prevalent presence, not only throughout the state but also at our clinics. For his efforts, he was given our Distinguished Service Award in 1985 and sent off on a cruise upon his retirement, the trip funded by voluntary contributions from tennis coaches.
If there was any anxiety over how this collegial atmosphere might change when Gina Mazzolini took over Warren’s job in 1993, it was quickly dispelled. Although not a tennis player (neither was Warren), she instantly impressed coaches at her first round of rules meetings with her enthusiasm and eagerness to work together.
This first impression wasn’t a false one. Over the years, coaches have been pleased with her accessibility and her clarity in articulating problems and issues. Information has become readily available on our (and their) Web site, something that was bothersome in previous years when “Who is in my regional?” became the most asked question during a season. As with Warren, she is a fixture at our clinic where coaches can not only get to the crux of an issue but discuss it face to face. Open lines of communication have resulted in such improvements as expanding state competition to four divisions.
This positive relationship was especially solid with regard to the decade-long Gender Equity Lawsuit when the MHSTeCA and MHSAA fought together to keep the boys and girls seasons the same. She also helped with improvements in final tournament seeding and management.
“Michigan Tennis Coaches are envied by our neighboring states coaches due to our format and the outstanding working relationship between our coaches and the MHSAA,” says Tiger Teusink, a long-time member of the state seeding committee and frequent final tournament host.
Make no mistake about it, the job isn’t easy. MHSTeCA Founder Bob Wood has often said over the years, “I would hate to have Warren/Gina’s job. Think of it. You answer the phone all day. And all day long, all you hear is complaints.”
But Gina handles it with an admirable equanimity. “Sometimes we forget that she is responsible for more sports than just tennis,” says Gary Ellis, Allegan’s tennis coach and athletic director who has served extensively on the state seeding committee and tennis rules committee. “She makes sure that when a tennis issue comes up, she works to address it, within the rules and scope of the MHSAA. She does her homework, getting information and input from a variety of sources with a wide range of perspectives.”
“Gina has listened to our coaches association and coaches from around the state when we have had ideas for change in our sport,” continues Gary. “If you look back at how far tennis in Michigan has progressed during her tenure, it is impressive.”
A standout in basketball and volleyball at both St. Johns High School and Central Michigan University, Gina received the 2009-10 Women in Sports Leadership award last Feb. 9. A year later, with great appreciation for all she has done to make high school tennis in Michigan what it is today, we are pleased to add to her collection.