Senior Spotlight: Nick Combs

MORAGA, Calif. — In the final edition of Senior Spotlight, we caught up with men's tennis student-athlete Nick Combs. Combs was a former student manager for the team and was promoted to the varsity squad this year.

"This was my first year officially being on the roster and while it's been tough to accept that this is how it ends, I couldn't be more grateful that it even happened," said the senior.

Combs, who is a native of Carmel, Calif., mentioned how he enjoyed the international flair to collegiate tennis and getting to make friends from all over the world. "Before SMC, I didn't know anyone outside of the country, let alone outside of the state. I'm leaving this program with
friends from all corners of the globe, and once this COVID era passes, I can't wait to visit them."

Reflecting on his favorite moment while at Saint Mary's, Combs had a similar answer to his other senior teammates - this year's trip to Hawaii. "I've made memories here that I hold close to my heart and that I'll never forget. But of all of them, our trip to Hawaii has to take the malasada. Though we were there on business, Coach Kennett went out of his way to make it special - taking us around the island to different beaches, restaurants, hikes, and even to go snorkeling."

Combs played in his first collegiate match this year against UC Santa Cruz when he teamed up with Andy Watterson as the No. 3 doubles team. The Gaels' tandem was neck and neck with their opponent before the match was canceled after SMC's top two pairs secured the doubles point.

Aside from the travel and matches, Combs also mentioned how he enjoyed the normal day to day activities with his teammates."I'll miss the little things too like waking up in complete darkness to go to breakfast at Millie's, getting into a van filled with myriad accents and six different languages shaping the funny banter, and conversations that somehow constantly shift back to why the way they do things in Croatia is better than how it's done in America."

"Most of all, I'll miss that gutting feeling you got when Coach said 'non-winners get on the line' for some good ol' three court sprints."

The Gaels were 7-4 when the season was cut short and were riding a five-match win streak.

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Players Mentioned

Andy Watterson: 5' 11"; Redshirt Sophomore

Nick Combs: 6' 3"; Senior

Players Mentioned

Andy Watterson
: 5' 11"; Redshirt Sophomore

Nick Combs
: 6' 3"; Senior