They are few in numbers and the majority of those they have are underclassmen.

Yet Berry men's tennis coach Clay Hightower feels that the 2022 Vikings squad, the smallest – and one of the youngest – the coach has had since Berry entered the NCAA Division ranks, is one that is committed to making its presence noticed in the Southern Athletic Association.

"They know how tough the conference is," Hightower said about his senior-less team, one that save for two juniors is dominated by sophomores and freshmen, "and they're working on their fitness and skills to get ready."

That drive to excel starts with four players who saw singles and doubles action last year when Berry posted a 7-6 record and are ready to step up their game this time around.

Returning to provide the foundation on which to build on includes juniors Connor Murphy and Kyle Lutian, and sophomores Fant Smith and Carsten Balao.
 
Four freshmen, however, will be tasked with providing immediate support as Noah Koch, who is vying to play at No. 1 singles, Bohdan Higley, Elijah Gabriel and Diego Lopez round out the roster.

The Vikings get their first test on Feb. 15 when Berry hosts Southeastern (Fla.) at the Rome Tennis Center at Berry College, and after visiting Piedmont on Feb. 22 for a non-conference test they play their first SAA contest of the season when they host Oglethorpe on March 5.
 
"They know," Hightower said, "that they have to be at their best."