Recently we had a chance to speak with UMBC tennis player Josef Novotny. Novotny, selected as the league’s top #1 singles player last season, helped lead the Retrievers to their third straight NEC championship.  UMBC ended the 2002 campaign with an 18-7 overall mark as Novotny posted outstanding records in both singles (19-3) and doubles (10-3). He proved to be a serious contender in his first season at UMBC, taking home NEC Athlete of the Week honors on three occasions. Keeping up with last year’s standards, the Czech Republic native was tabbed Athlete of the Week two times during the fall season. Most recently, the junior earned the award after winning four matches to advance to the semi-finals of the ITA Regional Championships held at the University of Pennsylvania.

Name: Josef Novotny
School: UMBC
Sport: Men’s Tennis
Year: Junior

Hometown: Sokolov, Czech Republic
Major: Film
Notable Award: 2001 All-NEC First Team (#1 singles), 2000 MEAC Freshman of the Year,

Favorite TV show: HBO feature films & The Simpsons
Favorite Movie: Apocalypse Now & Pulp Fiction
Favorite Music: The Doors  
Favorite Class/Professor: Film 1/Prof. Vin Grabill

NEC: Why did you choose to come to UMBC?
JN: I wanted to play tennis and study film so I transferred to UMBC because the school met my requirements. It’s a medium school, so you get the individual attention from teachers as well meeting a lot of people. I also like the location.

NEC: What career do you wish to pursue after graduation?
JN: I want to work in a film studio or be an assistant tennis coach, while obtaining a graduate degree.

NEC: Do you feel any additional pressure after having such a great showing in the fall season?
JN: There really isn’t additional pressure. I started off slow, but I regained confidence after the Regional Championships. I take it seriously, but tennis is a relief for me, so I don’t have any problems with pressure.

NEC: Do you think teams come at you with more intensity since UMBC is reigning NEC Champs?
JN: The teams in the conference play more intense. We have gained more respect so even the non-conference teams are more intimidated and want to beat us.

NEC: How do you feel about your performance at the ITA Regional Championships?
JN: I was happy after winning the first round. I feel a great deal of relief after I made it past this round. I was satisfied with making it to the semifinals, but I was disappointed with the loss in the semis. I was mentally tired and couldn’t focus anymore.

NEC: How will you be preparing for the spring season and the Championships?
JN: Right now we are focusing on getting in shape with running and lifting. I also look to play a couple of times a week in the offseason.

NEC: What will it take for UMBC to repeat this year as NEC Champs?
JN: We can’t underestimate anyone. We lost three key players, but we have some good freshmen to replace them. We need to help everyone perform to the best of their ability.

NEC: Who is your biggest competition at the Championships this year?
JN: It’s probably going to be FDU. They were strong last year, so I’m sure they will be tough competition again this year.

NEC: What is your role on the team?
JN: I try to lead by example. Since we have so many young guys I want to show them how to act and win.

NEC: What did you learn from the UMBC players last year, for instance Eric Nudo?
JN: I learned doubles communication from him. He was my partner and my communication increased a lot more since playing with him.

NEC: How long have you been playing?
JN: I have been playing since I was seven

NEC: How did you get started?
JN: My father got me started since he is a very athletic person. He is the coach of the Czech national volleyball team. He taught me everything about all different sports. I was interested in both volleyball and tennis, but I chose tennis because I like the individual competition more.

NEC: What’s the toughest place to play?
JN: Howard University

NEC: What’s your favorite place?
JN:  Indoors at William & Mary University

NEC: Who are some people that have influenced you the most?
JN: My family and my girlfriend are big influences. I look up to my brother for achieving his goal to become a professional volleyball player. I admire my parents and my girlfriend is very supportive. Film directors also influence me because they made me want to pursue a career in film.

NEC: If not tennis, is there another sport you would compete in?
JN: I would love to ski.

NEC: What’s the most important attribute a tennis player needs?
JN: Confidence and mental strength. Players also need to be willing to cooperate with people and have the flexibility to change their thinking and style of play.

NEC: What is the most memorable moment in your athletic career?
JN: When I was seventeen years old I was not seeded in the Regionals but I ended up qualifying for the Nationals in the Czech Republic. I made it all the way to the quarterfinals as the underdog and it felt great.

- Interview conducted by Dawn Van Cleef, NEC Administrative Intern