The Bakersfield College tennis seasons are almost in full swing and first-year head coach Nicolas Jacobs is ready to lead both Renegade squads.

“We want to compete in conference. I want to make sure every practice and every game these players are giving me 110 percent,” said Jacobs.

It was a struggle for both the men’s and women’s tennis teams last season, and Jacobs has been ramping up practices in order to better build their endurance and to ensure that the team can achieve early success.

After starting off practices with running drills the teams then head into straight fast play to mimic the type of conditions the players would have during a league match.

“Work harder and the results will show,” said Jacobs.

With a lot of freshmen on both tennis teams, Jacobs has been using these practices to build depth throughout both tennis teams rather than just relying on one star player. Having depth on both tennis teams from player one to the last player matters more to Jacobs than having one star player succeeding individually. Succeeding as a team is also one of the biggest goals for Jacobs.

“I’m making sure I get to know everyone. We’re trying to come together as a team, that’s my goal and were slowly coming together,” said Jacobs.

Having to run both the men’s and women’s tennis teams might seem like a daunting task but, for Jacobs, he’s ready for the challenge and the start of the season.

“I’ve coached throughout the years and it’s not really new to me. Even with the aspects of college and all the budgeting, I feel fine and ready to go,” said Jacobs.

Jacobs and his tennis teams will get an opportunity to show off their improved play and teamwork as the men’s tennis team hits the road to take on Mt. Sac on Feb. 5 and the women’s team takes on College of the Sequoias on Feb. 6 at the BC tennis courts.