With snow still blanketing campus, it's hard to imagine anyone outside practicing.
But, both Doane's baseball team and women's tennis team are doing just that as they prepare for the start of their seasons.
The women's tennis team may not have a lot of experience, but they a positive attitude.
As they await their first match, the women seem enthusiastic.
Junior Kendra Bender, one of two returning players, said that she was certain the season would be a lot of fun.
“I’m excited for this season," she said. "We have a bunch of new people on the team and it should be a good time.”
Senior Andrea Johnson said that she was looking forward to working with her new team.
"We have a lot of new faces," she said. "It'll be a good team, and a lot of fun."
The Tigers are boasting a roster of eight girls this year, increasing last year's numbers by two.
However, with most of the players being new to Doane, Bender said no one is really sure how the season will go.
“We’re not really sure what to expect yet, because it’s a completely different team than last year," she said. "It’s hard to tell this soon because we don’t know everyone’s strengths.”
Johnson said that, in spite of the changes, she feels more prepared to play than she did last year.
"I've had a lot more time to practice than I did last year," she said. "I mean, the team is different, but it's a good different and it'll definitely be fun."
The women face William Jewell College at 7 p.m. tomorrow night in Lincoln.
The baseball team also has a positive outlook as it begins competition preparation, and is expecting a lot of improvement from last year.
With many of the starters returning and the younger players gaining a year of experience, the men are confident.
Sophomore infielder Britton Sheele said that the team dynamic as a whole had changed this year.
"Last year we were really young (as a team), and we lost a lot of close games because of it," he said. "We've had very good senior leadership so far (this year). The team chemistry is a lot better."
Sophomore first baseman and pitcher Mike Korsakas said he agreed that the attitude was different.
"We've matured more as a team," he said. "The majority of us are returners, so we've been there and we know what to expect."
Freshman Andrew Rohr said that the upperclassmen have been very influential in the team’s attitude.
“We have a lot of great guys,” he said. “Good seniors, good leaders. The varsity brought in a lot of returning guys who are really stepping up.”
Also adding to the different atmosphere is the addition of a new junior varsity coach.
"It's good we have another coach, because we have so many guys on the team," Korsakas said. "We get more interaction and practice is more intense. We can get a lot done individually and as a whole."
This added assistance is expected to give Doane a competitive boost this year, with pre-season rankings showing higher expectations.
"We're predicted to finish sixth in the conference," Sheele said, "but we also received one vote to finish first."
Rohr said that the team had even higher expectations.
“Our first goal is obviously the conference championship," he said. "And then to get into the NAIA tournament.”
For their first games, the Doane baseball team will play St. Gregory's University on Feb. 13 and 14 in Shawnee, Okla.
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