The University of Missouri Tennis team is already making history this 2021-22 season. From the team receiving its first main draw invites to the ITA-All Americans tournament to having a doubles pair nationally ranked in the preseason Top 10, the upcoming spring season holds much excitement. The feats of this season come as a result of the momentum created during the previous 2020-21 season. Looking back on last season's accrual of achievements, these were the most notable.

First player to make the NCAA Round of 32

Bronte Murgett eclipsed history during the NCAA Tournament last spring. Her big break came with defeating Alana Wolfberg, 7-5, 7-5, in the singles Round of 64. Murgett became the first Mizzou tennis player in history to advance to the Round of 32 and only the third player in program history to compete in the NCAA Tournament.

"We did not change anything. We ate the same food, drank the same water and Gatorade, wore the same practice gear, and kept every day identical to the season," said Coach Chris Wootton. "We integrated our approved practice players into the day and focused on keeping routines. Both Marta Oliveira and Ellie Wright were at the NCAA tournament with Bronte and their experience and calm demeanor helped Bronte to stay on task each day. The pressure can be overwhelming at times but all three shared the burden and allowed Bronte to stay relaxed and focused."

Competing in the NCAA Tournament has been one of Murgett's biggest opportunities to showcase her talent. After training hard in the weeks leading up to the tournament and keeping herself healthy amidst the Florida heat, Murgett reflected on the experience.  

"My first NCAA match was a great experience. I had nerves rushing through my body, but I also knew I had nothing to lose and everything to gain," recalled Murgett. "Knowing Chris would be out there with me every step of the way gave me confidence. It was great to get the win and to celebrate with Chris on court and the girls who came to watch alongside my little brother who was also in the tournament. It was great to also make Mizzou history!"

First doubles pair to be ranked Top 10 nationally

Murgett and Oliveira first entered the 2021 ITA rankings in March at the No. 55 spot. By April, the doubles duo had leaped up to No. 36 in the nation. At the conclusion of the spring season, the pair had posted a No. 29 ranking before finishing up at the No. 31 spot with a 9-5 record. Among the pair's nine victories included wins against No. 9 Vanderbilt, No. 11/12 LSU, and No. 20/21 Texas A&M. When the 2021-22 preseason doubles rankings came out and Murgett/Oliveira were slated No. 7 in the country, the duo knew their hard work had paid off.  

"I am not driven by numbers all the time, but when you put that much effort into something it is amazing to see it recognized with a good ranking as well." said Oliveira. "How much we grew together was also very special. We are the complete opposite in terms of how we approach tennis, so understanding each other really helped me grow on and off the court, changing how I approach things in life as well. Bringing out the best in each other both in terms of tennis skills and mentality really helped us succeed."

First player to win ITA Central Regional Tournament

In her first season with the Mizzou tennis team, Murgett also captured the title of ITA Central Regional Champion. She went 6-0 on her way to the championship and took down the No. 7 and No. 9 seeds while being ranked as a No. 20 seed herself.

"Winning the ITA Central Regionals brought me a lot of affirmation about the level I can play at. It gave me lots of confidence going into SEC play." said Murgett, "I think from the team's point of view it helped bring unity through cheering and excitement for what our team is capable of doing if we want it enough. I will never forget the group huddle at the end of my match with all the girls right there; I could feel the special bond we all had with one another."

First SEC win in three seasons

The Tigers took down No. 25 Mississippi State, 4-3, in the team's SEC spring opener last February. This victory redeemed a previous 30-match losing streak in SEC play for Mizzou.

"Beating Mississippi State to stop our SEC drought was unreal. Serena Nash, our super senior, clinched it 4-3 and we shared a moment in tears after people were leaving." said Wright, "All of us who had stuck through and stayed at Mizzou had finally broken what seemed like a curse."

Coach Wootton acknowledged how significant this success was for the team's morale. "The first SEC win in the past three seasons validated the hard work for all the players that had been in the program before I became head coach. Their effort and drive were represented by achieving a milestone that had eluded Mizzou Tennis for many years."

Much of the hard work that went into defeating Mississippi State can be attributed to the culture created by the Mizzou Tennis program. There is something to be said of the culture found within this team.

"My main goal was to bring a good culture to Mizzou Tennis. I was very aware of the 11 girls around me, where we were and where we wanted to go, and I wanted to do everything in my power to create an environment in which they felt they could thrive." said Oliveira.

Wright recognized that the team did flourish this past season, "The team always looked ahead to what we could achieve. With each win, we saw that dream becoming reality. We were competing and pushing teams in ways that we had not before. We were gaining new respect from coaches, and we were proud of what we were accomplishing. It was difficult, but we still pushed every match towards the goal."

Second best Mizzou team since 2000

The 2020-21 Mizzou Tennis team is tied for the program's second-best record since 2000 with 15 wins during the season.

"We really went in every day and did the small things right. When you do things consistently the right way, on and off the court, you will eventually get results." Oliveira said, "We were not looking for anything crazy, just building each other up daily while keeping high standards on our routines, and it paid off. Having a team in which we were all so close and wanted each other to succeed so badly is something special and being part of that created a lot of belief in what we did."

Coach Wootton discussed the five factors he chose to focus on last season: family, fun, food, focus, and fearlessness. These factors, alongside the support of the community, greatly fueled the program's determination.

"The five facets of our year came together each day with routine and simplicity being our focus. We could not have done it without the outside influence of the student athletes' families and our Columbia community support. The year was progress toward a new Mizzou Tennis, and we laid some of the foundation that will become the five columns of our future."

Wootton is rebranding the tennis platform to foster a culture centered around those five facets. Last season's accomplishments were merely the beginning for the growth and success that is sure to follow this Mizzou Tennis program.

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