Senior Lauren Holzberg is no longer on the Penn State women's tennis team, coach Dawna Prevette confirmed Wednesday night in a telephone interview.
Although she would not comment on the specifics of Holzberg's removal from the team, Prevette did confirm Holzberg is off the team.
In a statement sent via text message, Holzberg said, "there have been differences in opinion on my style of play, but a compromise has been worked out. This summer I worked hard on raising the level of my game. I am looking forward to completing my studies this spring so I can pursue my tennis career."
Holzberg did not return a phone call Tuesday.
Holzberg will not compete for the team, but said she will still be on an athletic scholarship until she graduates in May.
The senior compiled a 3-3 record in her fall matches in the A-1 singles role.
Senior Leyla Morzan said she was aware Holzberg was kicked off the team, but did not know any other details about the situation.
Jenny Shular, who graduated last year after playing four seasons for the Nittany Lion tennis team, was Holzberg's roommate the last two years.
Shular said she knew her former roommate was "kicked off the team."
"I didn't think coach [Prevette] would go that far, because I think Holzberg is a solid player," Shular said. "Even though you don't get along with your No. 1 player, you should still play your No. 1 player or try to find a way."
There was never a common ground of connection established between Prevette and Holzberg, Shular said. Although she said she did not know any details from this year, she said little things from last season likely built up to Holzberg's removal from the team.
Shular recalled one team huddle last season, after an upset victory against Michigan State, when Holzberg's match clinched the win for the Lions. Instead of praising Holzberg after the match, Prevette praised Shular for her match, Shular said.
"I had a pretty close match but my match was the point before Holzberg," Shular said. "But she missed an opportunity to speak highly of Holzberg and give credit when credit was due. It was a missed opportunity to find common ground. Everybody likes to be praised. There was a lot of pressure on the last match."
