Hard Work Pays Off for VanDePutte

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Bente VanDePutte has been named the NEC Women’s Tennis Player-of-the-Week two times already this season and has earned the league’s Prime Performer award four times.

The sophomore from Belgium currently holds a 13-3 singles record.

“It has been a lot of fun to watch Bente play at such a high level,” said head tennis coach Eric Hovan. “She really worked hard in the off season and played a number of tournaments to prepare for the season.

“She is playing with confidence and it is showing in her results.”

VanDePutte and her teammates’ next action is at West Liberty on April 1.

“I hoped to do better than last year, but other than that, I just wanted to enjoy this season,” she said. “When the season started, I realized I was playing well and I have managed to keep up with that level.”

The Belgium native has alternated between the number one and number two spots for the Flash, reeling off six straight wins with her aggressive baseline style.

The sophomore said she would not be able to achieve her individual success without the support of her teammates.

“The team has definitely helped me achieve this. Even though you are alone on the court and you have to do everything yourself, our team still loudly supports each other during matches.

“This really helps me keep my energy up.”

The women’s tennis team has three matches to go before the 2023 NEC Championship, April 13-15.

“I believe we can achieve great results during this year’s conference championship as our team has been performing very well,” said VanDePutte.

Hovan believes VanDePutte still has the potential to improve even more during the coming years at SFU.

“I truly believe that Bente’s best tennis is still ahead of her and that she will keep pushing our other players. I am excited to see what she will bring to the team the coming two years.”