Men's Tennis 4/14/2020 2:57:00 PM

Senior Spotlight: Matis Bot and Danielle McIntyre

In today's installment of Senior Spotlight, we talked to a member of each of the women's and men's tennis team to hear their perspectives on being a student-athlete at Saint Mary's.

Danielle McIntyre was the lone senior on the women's team and had especially fond memories of this year's squad. "Although this year was short, it was by far my favourite year to be a Gael," said McIntyre. "We did a lot of great team things together this year like community service painting a school and completing an escape room. We were really starting to show how close we were on the tennis court with some amazing wins."

In fact, just one day before the NCAA canceled all spring sport seasons and championships, the Gaels had just posted one of their best wins of the season with a come-from-behind victory against No. 43 Furman. Down 3-2 in match points, Saint Mary's rallied with two consecutive wins in singles to take the contest. McIntyre commented on how that moment was one of her favorite highlights since being on campus.

"It was one of the most nerve-racking and exciting matches I have ever been a part of and we finished the year off with a bang. We came together as a team and it was something that I will never forget."

Ironically, just hours earlier the men's team had also faced Furman in Moraga and cruised to a 6-1 victory to improve to 7-4 on the season. Matis Bot explained his disappointment when he learned the season had been canceled, "Finishing like this is heartbreaking. The team had never been as strong as this year and we were on a rush with five consecutive wins before it all ended."

While the men's team hadn't yet reached conference play, they had already surpassed last year's win total and were well on their way to posting double-digit wins for the first time since 2013. Bot was a major reason for the team's success as he went 9-1 in singles play during the year, something he considers as his greatest achievement while at Saint Mary's.

Both seniors are both from overseas with Bot hailing from France and McIntyre from Australia. Despite being thousands of miles from homes, they found comfort and a second family in Moraga.

"Before I even started at Saint Marys I was supported as a person and an athlete. After four years, I still feel the same," McIntyre said. "We are a Gael family and having a personal connection with everyone from professors, other athletes, coaches, and athletic staff really makes you feel at home."

"There is a great atmosphere with all the athletes," recalled Bot. "We watched most of the soccer games last fall and they were here for us this year. Classes are small and professors care about their students and help them succeed."

With their eyes set on the future, both Gaels have big plans moving forward in their professional careers.

"I see myself working in finance or starting my own company," said Bot. "I would also love to play or teach tennis during my free time, maybe coach a team one day."

"With my Global Business major I want to still continue to travel around the world and live in some other countries" added McIntyre. "I love exploring new places and am excited to see where I will end up. I think that I will always continue playing tennis because it will continue to be one of my passions."

"Moraga will always be a second home to me though and I will definitely be back!"

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Players Mentioned

Danielle McIntyre: 5' 7"; Senior

Matis Bot: 6' 1"; Senior

Players Mentioned

Danielle McIntyre
: 5' 7"; Senior

Matis Bot
: 6' 1"; Senior