JOHNSON, Vt.-The Northern Vermont University-Johnson men's tennis team is celebrating its Senior Day virtually and recognizing the programs lone senior Patrick Bell.  

A two-year member of the NVU-Johnson men's tennis team, Bell joined the program and made his mark throughout the 2019 season. Throughout the 2019 season Bell competed at the No.2 doubles position and No. 3 and No. 4 singles position. During the 2019 season he earned a double win against rival NVU-Lyndon.

The 2020 season concluded on Thursday, March 12 but for the first three matches Bell competed at the No.2 doubles and No.3 singles position.

Head Coach Michele Whitmore commented on the impact that Bell has had on the NVU-Johnson men's tennis program. "Pat is the epitome of what a coach wants to see from a teammate," said Whitmore. "Pat brings enthusiasm, humor, and encouragement to our team.

He started off this season with the determination to become a better player. He put the time in at the gym and worked even harder at practices. In the three matches we played, Pat brought two of the three singles matches to a tiebreak, falling just short of a win. In tennis, the final score never tells the whole story. If it did, the story would include: "Pat dug in and played his very best tennis his senior year. Results don't matter as much as the drive and determination Pat showed every point, every game, every set, every match", "His coaches and teammates will remember Pat as the glue of the team; the leader, the spirit, and they guy everyone wants to hang with because he is funny, kind, and seriously has the best laugh."

Off the tennis court Pat has made his mark in the NVU-Johnson community. Bell has served on NVU-Johnson's SAAC as the vice president and served the North Atlantic Conference in the role of secretary. Bell has been an intern for the NVU-Johnson athletic department for the past two years working as an event coordinator and as a Journalism major he has served as the sports editor for NVU-Johnson's basement medicine. 

The Badgers thank Pat for his contributions to Badgers tennis and to Johnson athletics as a whole and wish him luck in the future.