Rutgers-Newark Athletics

By Jim Hague 

After enrolling at Rutgers-Newark in the fall of 2008, Mercedes Kuilan didn’t know whether she was good enough to play collegiate tennis. 

“I didn’t know I was coming to Rutgers-Newark until the last minute and I didn’t know if I should give tennis a try in college,” Kuilan said. “I love playing tennis, but I was worried that I couldn’t play in college. I still played a little with friends, but nothing competitively.” 

But, after a year away and as Kuilan entered her sophomore year at R-N, she thought that maybe she could give playing tennis a try. 

“In the beginning, it was really tough,” Kuilan said. “I got hit in the face with the ball. I wondered, `Why am I getting myself into this thing?’ I sort of got discouraged.” 

But R-N head women’s tennis coach Kevin Morris believed that Kuilan could help the team. 

“I didn’t know if she could play or not,” Morris said. “I never saw her play before she came out. I’m always concerned about anyone who hasn’t played in a year. But from the first day, I could see that she was going to be able to help the team this year.” 

It didn’t take long for Kuilan to establish herself as the Scarlet Raiders’ No. 4 singles player and part of the team’s No. 2 doubles tandem. 

“I guess you really don’t lose tennis skills,” said Kuilan, who was a three-sport athlete at Cedar Grove High School, competing in basketball, track and tennis. “I guess it’s like riding a bike. When I was playing in the summer, I wasn’t doing very well, but after I played a while and started to see the other girls, I knew that I had no reason to be intimidated.” 

Kuilan gives a lot of the credit to Morris. 

“He’s been very helpful and very encouraging,” Kuilan said. “I like how he coaches. He tells us what to do and teaches us in practice, but on the days of matches, he just lets us play and lets us concentrate on what we’re doing.” 

Kuilan said that she is surprised by her instant success (she was named the New Jersey Athletic Conference’s Rookie of the Week last week), simply because playing singles tennis was totally foreign to her before this year. 

“I always played doubles in high school,” Kuilan said. “I never played singles. I’m getting used to it now. Playing doubles definitely got me ready to play singles, because now, I can’t blame anyone else for my play. It’s all on me.” 

Morris said that it’s not too difficult for a player to learn how to become a singles performer after having concentrated previously on doubles. 

“I think it’s easier to do that, then to go from being a singles player to doubles,” Morris said. “I think singles is more of a natural game. Mercedes’ strength is going after the ball and keeping it alive. She runs down a lot of balls. I think she’s clearly a better singles player than doubles.” 

Morris said that Kuilan has been a pleasant surprise to the team. 

“She’s moved her way to become fourth singles and she’s won some crucial matches for us,” Morris said. “We wouldn’t have the record we have if she didn’t play. She’s been a good addition for us. She does what she’s asked to do and works hard. She’s been positive in every aspect.” 

Morris also believes that Kuilan could become a better player in the future. 

“The fact that she hasn’t played in a year and has been doing what she’s been doing is a sign that there is room for improvement,” Morris said. “She’s consistent, but there’s room to get better. She keeps running the ball down, but she needs to find a way to finish points. I think she will get better with experience.” 

Kuilan has yet to declare a major at R-N, but she’s more than likely leaning towards nursing. In her spare time, Kuilan already volunteers at Mountainside Hospital, working in the emergency room. She does at least one shift a week. 

“I like the ER,” Kuilan said. “It’s good to be in the center of things and I like working with and helping people. I wish I could do more, but it’s hard with my school work and tennis. I try to make it out there as much as I can.” 

Needless to say, Kuilan is glad that she decided to give tennis a try.
“It’s been a lot of fun,” Kuilan said. “I met a lot of new friends on the team. It was hard in the beginning, because we were losing, but once we started playing teams on our own level, we’ve been doing a lot better, both the team and individually. We basically have a whole new team, so it’s been fun. 

Added Kuilan, “I never thought I would be playing college tennis, but I’m really glad I did. It’s a good outlet and I like getting out there and playing.” 

And the R-N women’s tennis program is fortunate to have someone like Mercedes Kuilan.