University of Minnesota Athletics
Merzbacher Duo Competes Together
6/24/2015 12:00:00 AM | Tennis
With all the pressures put on athletes it can be easy to forget the simple joys of the game, but this past weekend a father and daughter who simply love playing tennis together reminded us all of what makes sports so special.
Last weekend, University of Minnesota Head Women's Tennis Coach Chuck Merzbacher and his daughter, Caitlyn Merzbacher, who is also an incoming Gopher tennis player, teamed up at the US Open Sectional Qualifying Tournament at Baseline Tennis Center to take on the field in mixed doubles.
"We have a strong relationship and just enjoy each other's company," Coach Merzbacher said. "Being able to play with my daughter is something a lot people do not have that opportunity to do. We just enjoy the game together."
"Playing alongside my dad is always fun and really special," Caitlyn said. "It amazes me how good he still is and it is a learning experience every time. He will give me tips throughout the match, but also treats me just like another one of his partners."
There are 14 locations around the nation that hold these qualifying tournaments, giving the winners from each division a chance to compete at the Connecticut Tennis Center at Yale University in New Haven, Conn., later this summer for a shot at making the US Open. Part of what makes these events such a special experience, according to Coach Merzbacher, is that tennis players of any age can enter.
While playing with her father was the highlight of the tournament, competing at the Baseline Tennis Center also made the weekend special for Caitlyn.
"It is really cool to play on the courts that I will be competing on at a collegiate level," said Caitlyn, who moved to Minnesota in 2012 when her dad took over the Gopher women's tennis program. "I have played at Baseline ever since I moved to Minnesota and I now consider them to be my home courts. Playing tournaments there before I get to college has helped me get used to the courts and I always feel as if I have the home court advantage."
Together, the Merzbachers got out to a hot start in mixed doubles, winning the first set of their quarterfinal match, 6-1. They battled to a tough 7-6 loss in the second set before losing 1-0 (8) in the tiebreaker set to lose the match.
"I was probably too tired and let Caitlyn down in the mixed doubles," Coach Merzbacher said. "We just enjoy spending time together. We really want to win badly for each other but more importantly it is just about having fun on the court."
Any fatigue would be understandable, as both father and daughter played in the singles and doubles tournaments in addition to mixed doubles. Caitlyn advanced to the semifinals in women's singles before losing to the eventual winner in St. Paul's Alexis Nelson. She was knocked out in the women's doubles finals along with her playing partner, Hayley Haakenstad. Coach Merzbacher was knocked out in the round of 16 in men's singles and, with his doubles partner, Tom Olmscheid, fell in the quarterfinals of men's doubles to the eventual winners.
While there will be a lot of attention on the fact that Caitlyn is playing for her father, who had a successful career of his own playing at Minnesota, she has already left her own mark on the game with a great high school career. She arrives at the U of M as the only one of last year's 36 National High School Tennis All-Americans from Minnesota, an accolade beyond contributing to four team state titles (two in Ohio and two in Minnesota with Edina High School) and a National Open doubles championship. Caitlyn said she has watched her dad coach teams her whole life and is excited to finally be a part of it and join the team environment.
"All of the members of the team are great friends of mine and I love being around them along with my dad and Whitney (Taney)," Caitlyn said. "I think it will be an amazing experience to be a part of such a growing program filled with great support and people. I am more than excited to play at such a high level and represent the University of Minnesota."
Both Coach Merzbacher and Caitlyn agreed there could be challenges with adjusting to a coach-player relationship but neither is too concerned about it.
"I think there will be some tougher times, but she expects me to be tougher on her. She has a really good attitude going in and feels she has to prove herself more than anyone else," Coach Merzbacher said.
"We have a deal that if he treats me like a player I will treat him like a coach," Caitlyn said. "However, sometimes that is set aside and I will always give him a hug after practice and call him `Dad.'"
For complete US Open Sectional Qualifying Tournament results go here.
Players Mentioned
