The RoundHouse | 1/28/2022 2:12:00 PM

By Paul Suellentrop
 
Wichita State's Orel Ovil is reading a tennis psychology book and a business book by Charles Koch to prepare for tennis and his business management/business marketing degree.
 
Those lessons may help him after graduation in the tennis business. This weekend, his reading is part of the plan to help him succeed at the top of the Shocker lineup in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Kick-Off Weekend. The Shockers play Tulsa at 11 a.m. Saturday in Fort Worth. On Sunday, they play either No. 3 TCU or Portland.
 
"I like to read books – a lot of motivational stuff," he said. "Learning a lot about the mental standpoint and that's something that has really helped us improve."
 
Ovil played No. 1 and No. 2 last weekend in Wichita State's wins over Saint Louis, Oral Robert and Purdue. He will play No. 1 against Tulsa after a 6-2, 6-2 win over Saint Louis's Oscar Alvarez and wins at No. 2 vs. ORU and Purdue.
 
"He competed really well, which is the most important thing," coach Danny Bryan said. "At times he was comfortable. He also got tested a little bit. The fact that he got tested, and was able to come through, will give him the confidence he will need to play well this weekend."
 
Ovil, a junior from Israel, is most concerned with the team atmosphere. His job, as one of the team's veterans, is to set a good example with good body language and support.
 
"Your reactions and how you play on the court affect others," he said. "You still have to show that you have confidence."
 
Ovil, 25, came to Wichita State at 21 after serving his mandatory three years in the Israel Defense Forces. While that experience helped his leadership, adjusting to the team demands of college tennis grew in importance as he learned on the job.
 
Now it is part of his job to foster that atmosphere with his teammates. He expects another strong season from the Shockers, who returned to the NCAA Tournament last spring by earning the program's first at-large bid.
 
"No matter what number they play or what position they play, they will have confidence and have fun and compete," Ovil said. "What was unique about us, in my years here, is that we don't have just one leader. Each one of us, depends on the day, is showing up mentally and energy. We all learn from each other."
 
Bryan watched Ovil improve his mental approach to ride out a struggle as he matured. A bad moment on the court isn't as likely to derail his efforts.
 
"Sometimes he can a little too high or too low," Bryan said. "He's done really good job of limiting that, when he's not having best day, it can be a little more neutral, maybe a 7 out of a 10 day. So, he has a bunch of 9 out of 10 days, a couple 7 out of 10 days, instead of dropping to 3 out of 10 where he drops too low."
 
Paul Suellentrop covers Wichita State Athletics and the American Athletic Conference for university Strategic Communications. Story suggestion? Contact him at paul.suellentrop@wichita.edu.