John Machak was named the new women's tennis coach at Lock Haven University on February 4, 2019.

Machak coached a full 2019 fall schedule, marking the first time since 1992 a varsity women's tennis team competed. The return of tennis at the university was welcomed with open arms by the community, campus, and most importantly the alumni of the previous tennis squads at LHU.

Coach Machak was able to answer a few questions and give us an opportunity to learn more about him and his program.
 
Having previous coaching experience at Penn College, what has been the most challenging part of the transition to Lock Haven University?
 
"The main challenge has been the difference between NCAA DII and DIII. At this level, tennis is very competitive and the PSAC has some tough teams. Now I'm recruiting better tennis players who can compete at this level, and I look forward to building a team that can compete and win. My goal isn't just to bring tennis back, it's to build a championship team for years to come at The Haven."
 
What are some advantages and disadvantages of being at the helm of a young squad?
 
"Having a young squad is great because the team forms a special bond. They're a tighter knit group than a regular team. Teaching and training are both easier and more difficult at the same time. On one hand, it's an advantage because the team can all get on the same page quickly. The downside to that is it usually takes more practice time to get things right. A young team is more "coachable," but they require more coaching."
 
What are some strengths the program has going into the 2020-21 campaign?
 
"We've added some really good players through recruiting who will make an immediate impact to the roster. Our starting lineup will see a big improvement with the new additions, and our squad from last year has gotten better with a full year of practice and playing. We had a taste of playing tennis last year, but now we're hungry for the wins."
 
What is your vision for the 2020-21 season?
 
"Easy, a lot of competitive tennis and winning."
 
What are some ways you are keeping in contact with current student-athletes and potential recruits during this pandemic?
 
"We keep in touch via messaging app, phone calls, email and texts during this new normal.  It's easy to connect for a few minutes with all the technology we have."     
 
After completing your first year at Lock Haven University, walk us through what it means to you to be a Bald Eagle?
 
"It gives me great pride to be a Bald Eagle and coach tennis at The Haven. LHU used to have a great tennis program back in the 70's and 80's. For me to be selected as the coach to bring tennis back to LHU and build a winning program is truly a great honor. I hope to build a tennis program that will make students across the northeast want to attend The Haven."
 
When recruiting what key traits or skills do you look for in a player?
 
"Consistency, instincts and speed. A more consistent tennis player who can mix up their shots will almost always outlast and win against a player who hits the ball out. Anticipation of where the ball is going and having a quick speed burst to get your racket on the ball are also skills we look for in players. A player with the speed and ability to fight back an opponent's tough shots at the DII level is critical to building a winning team."
 
What was your favorite memory this past season?
 
"We almost beat my former team (Penn College) at LHU. It was a nail-biter of a match and it came down to the wire. We came up just short, but I could see the determination of a young team and knew we were headed in the right direction."
 
Describe for us your long-term goals for the program.
 
"My long-term goals are to build a storied tennis program at The Haven and to give LHU a reputation as a top tennis school. It's known for several other good athletic programs, but in five years I want players across the northeast to say they want to go to Lock Haven because of its reputation for winning tennis. I will continue to recruit the best players available and build the team until we have a roster of 12-14 players, and I will also be fundraising to aggressively expand the program. I want the team playing in top level tennis tournaments across the country, while practicing at night with new lights on our home courts."