The University of Toledo women's tennis program entered a new era on October 20, 2003 when Tracy (Honko) Mauntler was introduced as the fifth coach in school history.
In her rookie campaign, Mauntler guided the Rockets to an appearance in the Mid-American Conference Championship Quarterfinals. She had the Midnight Blue and Gold playing its best tennis at the end of the season, winning three of its final four matches, including a 4-2 victory over Buffalo in the opening round of the MAC Championships.
As she enters her third season at the helm, Mauntler has added some much-needed depth to the team. With four newcomers and five returning letterwinners, the mix of youth and experience is what will fuel the 2005 Rockets to victory as they make their way to the MAC tournament.
"My goals for the girls extend beyond the court," Mauntler says. "I want them to learn and grow as individuals throughout their college experience."
"We participate in many different community service projects, including visiting community schools and working at the Cherry Street Mission (a homeless shelter in Toledo). I believe that these experiences help give the athletes a well-rounded college experience."
In the summer of 2005, Mauntler worked at Ed Krass's College Tennis Academy and plans to work there again in the summer of 2006.
The Clearfield, PA native came to Toledo following two-plus years as a sixth-grade social studies teacher in the Harford County (MD) public school district. She was also the head varsity tennis coach for the boys' and girls' high school tennis teams.
Mauntler was a four-year standout at Bucknell University. She served as team captain during the 1999-2000 season and received the Coaches Award in 1999 and the Leadership Award in 2000. Honko helped lead the Bisons to the conference finals her sophomore and junior years. She graduated in May 2000 with a bachelor's degree in education with a concentration in counseling.
She returned to her alma mater in August 2000 to complete her teaching certification, and served as assistant women's tennis coach for the 2000-01 season.
Mauntler has been involved with tennis at many different levels for the past eight years. During the summer of 2000-02, she directed the junior camp for Tennis Camps Ltd. at Swarthmore College. From 2003-04, she assumed the position of assistant camp director where she was primarily responsible for the adult camps. Mauntler, a USPTA certified professional, was also a board member of the Harford County Tennis Association where she was involved with marketing tennis programs to the community.
"We're very excited to have Tracy lead our women's program and I believe she will be a tremendous asset for us," Toledo Senior Woman Administrator Kelly Andrews said. "She has brought a lot of enthusiasm to the position and I'm really looking forward to her experience and knowledge to help our program become more competitive in the MAC."
Up Close with ... Tracy Honko
Nickname: "Honkomaniac."
Favorite Tennis Player: James Blake.
Favorite Pro Athlete: Tom Brady.
Person you Admire Most: Mother.
Favorite Movie: "Hoosiers."
Favorite TV show: "Friends" & "CSI."
Favorite Musical Groups: Sister Hazel & Counting Crows.
Favorite Actor: Denzel Washington.
Favorite Actress: Meg Ryan.
Favorite Midnight Snack: Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream.
Favorite sport (other than tennis): 2 on 2 basketball with Al Wermer.
On Match day, I like to: Focus the players at the task before us.
If I had to give up all my possessions except one, I'd keep: My photo album.
Favorite playing surface: Clay.
Favorite Tennis Style: All court.
