Ball State University Athletics
COACH O'S BLOG -- January 20, 2026
January 20, 2026 | Men's Tennis
Coach O's Ball State Men's Tennis Blog
Ball State men's tennis coach Gene Orlando pens a newsletter to Cardinals fans, parents and alumni that is shared in the blog below.
Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026
Dear Cardinal Tennis Family:
We couldn't have scripted our match any better against Xavier University last Saturday with a gritty 5-2 win. Our first win of the season, our first match a 1st Serve Muncie Racquet Club and my first win as your Head Coach (click this link for a fun video).
The Cardinals played with a ton of energy and belief taking the doubles point and we were able to withstand Xavier's singles comeback by our willingness to compete and make balls and refuse to go away. Cardinal Tough. (add a period)
We Learn. We Grow. We Get Better. The Cardinal Way.
CARDINAL HARD HAT
The Cardinal Hard Hat recognizes exceptional effort, toughness, a blue collar mentality and leadership by example. This award is given out weekly. This week's winner is Zack Kimelman. Zack had a great week of practice,and even getting extra reps before practice. Zack picked up a huge come-from-behind win against Xavier at #6 Singles (4-6, 6-3, 6-4).
UP NEXT
The Cardinals return to action this Saturday, January 24 with a doubleheader against the Bellarmine Knights at 12pm, and IU East at 4pm. The match will be played at the 1st Serve Muncie Tennis Center at Ball State. Live Stats and Live Stream will be available. Click here for schedule information.
COACH'S CORNER
You don't always get what you wish for, you get what you work for. The dream is free but there's a price to pay for the journey. GGI! (Go Get It)
SAVE THE DATES
Friday, March 27
Alumni/Team and Senior Weekend Celebration Banquet @ BSU Alumni Center
Preparations for our team banquet and senior weekend are under way and we would love to have you join us. It's a great opportunity for friends and fans to meet our outstanding players. It will be a very special night to celebrate our seniors our team and program.
Wednesday, April 1
One Ball State Day
Join us for our eighth annual One Ball State Day on Wednesday, April 1, and support our Cardinals Tennis Program. Let's dominate!
Thanks for your support of our Cardinal Tennis Program. Your support and friendship make a difference and truly impact our student athletes on and off the court.
Cardinal Tennis Pride,
Coach O
Ball State men's tennis coach Gene Orlando pens a newsletter to Cardinals fans, parents and alumni that is shared in the blog below.
Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026
Dear Cardinal Tennis Family:
We couldn't have scripted our match any better against Xavier University last Saturday with a gritty 5-2 win. Our first win of the season, our first match a 1st Serve Muncie Racquet Club and my first win as your Head Coach (click this link for a fun video).
The Cardinals played with a ton of energy and belief taking the doubles point and we were able to withstand Xavier's singles comeback by our willingness to compete and make balls and refuse to go away. Cardinal Tough. (add a period)
We Learn. We Grow. We Get Better. The Cardinal Way.
CARDINAL HARD HAT
The Cardinal Hard Hat recognizes exceptional effort, toughness, a blue collar mentality and leadership by example. This award is given out weekly. This week's winner is Zack Kimelman. Zack had a great week of practice,
UP NEXT
The Cardinals return to action this Saturday, January 24 with a doubleheader against the Bellarmine Knights at 12pm, and IU East at 4pm. The match will be played at the 1st Serve Muncie Tennis Center at Ball State. Live Stats and Live Stream will be available. Click here for schedule information.
COACH'S CORNER
You don't always get what you wish for, you get what you work for. The dream is free but there's a price to pay for the journey. GGI! (Go Get It)
SAVE THE DATES
Friday, March 27
Alumni/Team and Senior Weekend Celebration Banquet @ BSU Alumni Center
Preparations for our team banquet and senior weekend are under way and we would love to have you join us. It's a great opportunity for friends and fans to meet our outstanding players. It will be a very special night to celebrate our seniors our team and program.
Wednesday, April 1
One Ball State Day
Join us for our eighth annual One Ball State Day on Wednesday, April 1, and support our Cardinals Tennis Program. Let's dominate!
Thanks for your support of our Cardinal Tennis Program. Your support and friendship make a difference and truly impact our student athletes on and off the court.
Cardinal Tennis Pride,
Coach O
Players Mentioned
/ Men's Tennis
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