The Observer, April 14, 2006
Volume XXXVIII, Issue 24
Smetona elevates his game in his second year for Case tennis
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March was a very good month for Joe Smetona, the sophomore Spartan tennis player who is leading his team down the stretch of the season. Last month he finished unbeaten in single matches, improving his season record to 12-2, while teaming with Ben Sinder for a first doubles record of 12-3. The month of April has been equally as good for Smetona, who was recently named the University Athletic Association Player of the Week for his outstanding play.
Hailing from Medina, Ohio, Smetona has been playing competitive tennis since he was 10, most recently before Case as a high-school standout at University School. There, he qualified for the state tournament three straight years and achieved a national ranking. It was great success achieved through natural talent and determination.
"I have always taken a special interest in individual sports, for the politics of team sports are avoided. When I win, it is because I conquered my opponent, and when I lose, it is because I bungled," said Smetona.
This attitude helps him dominate in the UAA. Part of this mindset also involves Smetona not only enjoying the individual competition of tennis, but also both the seasonal heat and the mental strength of the sport. The summer heat offers an extra challenge to this already difficult sport where Smetona claims to like it better as the temperature rises.
As he has grown as a player, he has aspired and worked towards modeling his play after both Pete Sampras and Roger Federer. While both obviously are top-notch physical athletes, their mental toughness impresses Smetona even more. They are unflappable, stoic players who do not flinch whether winning a tournament or losing a point.
"While it may be amusing to watch an outburst, it is actually very unsettling to play someone who has complete control over their emotions, for even when you are winning, you don't feel in control," he said.
At the end of his high school career, Smetona knew that he both wanted to stay at a local school and continue his tennis career. Therefore, Case was a perfect match. The flexibility of Division III tennis at Case allows for Smetona to enjoy the sport and his free time more than if he were at a Division I program, and his camaraderie with his teammates cannot be matched. He said it helps him on the court and extends to his friendships off the court.
Although this star player has reached great levels of success in less than two years, Smetona looks forward to his next two years, hoping that his best is yet to come. He would like to qualify for the Division III nationals, and his goals for the team are equally as challenging. Next year the team will be returning most of their core players, and he would like to see the Spartans advance to regional play and strive for a more rigorous schedule.
Once he graduates in 2008, Smetona will pursue a law degree, and apply some of the same principles he uses in tennis to be a successful attorney. A control over his mind and emotions will help him achieve great goals in the courtroom or any atmosphere. At that time, though, the Spartan tennis team will be without one of its most consistent, reliable, and dominant players.
