FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – The Northern Arizona women's tennis team regular season is quickly coming to a conclusion, which means seniors Sarah Maria Spruch and Johanna Vang are playing their final matches wearing the Blue & Gold. This weekend will be the final home matches that the duo will ever play in Flagstaff as they look to cap off a memorable career at NAU.

"I have had the best four years of my life here in Flagstaff," said Vang.

Vang will go down as one of the greatest players ever in Northern Arizona women's tennis history with currently 42 career wins in singles and 47 victories in doubles play. The three-time All-Big Sky Academic Selection will graduate with a 4.0 GPA and a degree in Economics. The two-time captain has been a positive influence not only among her team but around the Flagstaff community attending NAU sporting events and constantly gives back her time volunteering in Flagstaff.

"This experience is something I will never forget," said Vang with a smile on her face while reminiscing her time at Northern Arizona University. "I have friends from all over the world that will last forever and I have essentially learned a second language."

The three-time All-Big Sky selection and First Team All-Big Sky honoree currently has six wins this season as the Lumberjacks No. 1 player.

"It has been an honor to play for Coach Bruno and NAU tennis," said the Sweden native. "We have a great support system here at NAU with our coaches, trainers and it is sad to see this come to an end but I am excited for the future."

Vang exemplifies what  head coach Kim Bruno and the entire NAU Athletic Department desires in student-athlete; someone who not only works hard on the court but someone who will give it their all in their academics and who is willing to give back to the community.

"To think where she started out as a freshman and what she has accomplished now has been amazing to watch," Bruno said. "All the accolades she has received in the classroom and the way she proved herself on the court day after day shows what it means to be a Lumberjack. She is an example of what hard work can do and she sets the bar for our tennis program because she always puts her best foot forward for not only the tennis program but for the NAU Athletic Department."  

A special bond has developed over the past four years between Bruno and Vang as the senior has been able to reinforce the core values that Bruno preaches.

"I have so much respect for coach as a person and also as a coach," said Vang. "We have been through a lot over these past four years, more than any other player on this team. We have had a lot of fun times and I am glad she was able to trust me with this year's team because I love this group of girls and hopefully our season will end with a conference championship."  

Despite being here for only two years, Spruch has been a sparkplug for the Lumberjack tennis program. The native of Germany currently has eight career wins in singles and 10 victories in doubles play. Spruch will graduate with a degree in Marketing.

"Sarah is someone that you always want to be around," said Bruno. "She is the care-giver of the team and she is always taking girls aside to pump them up and provide words of encouragement. Last year she was a key contributor and this year she has been able to step into the lineup when the team needs her. She has played more of an important role than what she truly knows and she is always a blast to be around."

Although Spruch has not played in the lineup in every match this year, she continues to provide her assistance with her teammates when she is needed.

"It meant very much to me being a leader of such a great tennis program," said Spruch. "I always felt a part of the team and played a big part, but since I became the team captain I felt like the 'mom' of the team. I feel responsible for the girls and that made me a stronger person. I love the girls and we have such a strong connection on and off the court."

Not only is Spruch appreciative of being co-captain in her final season but she also recognizes the attention and helped she has received in the classroom.

"I honestly loved NAU from the first day I arrived," said Spruch. "I came from Mississippi and was impressed with the landscape, school and athletic program here at NAU. The teachers in the business program are very understanding for athletes. They helped me out a lot in season when we were traveling."

The senior duo have been great captains for this year's squad which is poised to make another run in the Big Sky Championships.

"These two have stepped into their leadership roles really well," said Bruno. "They both bring two different personality dynamics and it has been fun watching them put their best foot forward in order to win a Big Sky Championship."

It will be hard to replace these seniors not only for what they did on the court, but the way they have led this young crop of Lumberjacks.

"It has been quite a journey to see them grow not only on the court but personally in academics and they are sitting in a good position to lead these women the rest of the season," said Bruno.