HAWK TALK

April 2013

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Senior Garret Dunn Leads the Way for Iowa By Jimmy Novak W hen it comes to leadership, many of the University of Iowa men's tennis players turn to Garret Dunn. Dunn, a Tempe, Ariz., native, is the lone senior on the Hawkeye squad. Having had many seniors to look up to in the past, Dunn finds himself in a new situation. "In the past I would always have about two or three guys to look up to that were seniors on the team, so I am hoping that some of the younger guys look up to me in the same way," said Dunn. When discussing key traits to being a good leader, Dunn said relaxing and confidence are at the top. "I just try to be relaxed and confident both on and off the court," Dunn said. That has been the largest area of improvement for me personally over the years, so now it's my turn to help the younger guys with that same growth process as well." On the court Dunn leads by example. As of March 29, Dunn and doubles partner Michael Swank own a 6-4 doubles record having played all their matches in the No. 1 doubles slot. With Dunn standing 6-foot-8 and Swank at 6-foot-6, the duo use their size to their advantage. Dunn's success in doubles play has also translated over to a great start in singles action. Dunn holds a 7-6 record in singles play. "Doubles is great because it can complement a lot of areas that singles doesn't necessarily focus on," said Dunn. "For instance, a lot of guys like to stay back at the baseline and grind guys down with long points, but with my height I can't do that as much, so instead I try to come to the net a lot and finish points with a volley. This is where doubles work comes in handy because a lot of doubles is done at the net, so I am able to easily translate the skills I learn playing doubles to the singles court." Moving forward, Dunn believes the team needs to seize the opportunity they have been given to play collegiate tennis. "The biggest thing that the team as a whole needs to do moving forward is to relax, have fun, and be confident in our abilities," Dunn said. "We are all very lucky to be playing college tennis, and I think it helps to look at each season as an opportunity to compete and play the game that we love." "Playing with Swank is a lot of fun because we both like to serve big and hit through guys," said Dunn. "This works out perfectly for us because not only is it a style we're both good at, but I think it's a much more fun way to play doubles in college." 53

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