When the college tennis season began in late February, Trevor Ault found his name etched on the No.1 singles line at Defiance College.
Developing the bravado to match his top-dog status, though, is something Ault admittedly struggled with early on.
"It was absolutely an adjustment, and I kind of had to jump into the deep end," the Clay graduate said.
His head stayed above water.
A success at No. 4 singles the year before, Ault's ascension to the team's lead role went mostly well. He wrapped up the recent season with an 8-12 mark at No. 1 singles, picked up seven wins at No. 1 doubles, and was named to the all-Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference team for the third time.
Ault will head into next season -- his senior season -- 26 wins shy of tying the program's career record held by his brother, Tyler.
"It took me a few matches before I actually considered myself to be a first singles player," said Ault, who was 25-11 last year between No. 4 singles and No. 2 doubles.
"It was a challenge but I really enjoyed it,"Ault said.
It didn't take long for Ault's confidence in himself to grow.
The Yellow Jackets traveled to Hilton Head, S.C., in early March for six matches, the second of which was against Wittenberg. Ault was familiar with Wittenberg's top singles player, Bobby Fisher, from years past and held Fisher in high regard.
Ault won the first set before dropping the next two and losing a tight match.
Even in a loss, though, he managed to pick up some assurance that he indeed can compete with high-level competitors. Fisher was named Wittenberg's MVP the prior two seasons.
"For some reason, something just kind of clicked that day," Ault said. "A switch went off where I thought I can hang with this guy. Just the fact I could compete with him showed me I belong at first singles.
"After that, I carried a little more confidence, and that kind of carried me through the year."
In terms of skills, Ault became more offensive and forceful with his shots this season, Defiance coach Steve Oberlin said.
In playing No. 1 doubles, Ault helped bring along freshman Cord Speelman. The two posted a 7-9 record and recorded a win over powerful Transylvania.
It marked the first time since Defiance joined the HCAC nine years ago that the Yellow Jackets won against Transylvania at either No. 1 singles or No. 1 doubles.
"I would say Trevor is by far a better doubles player," Oberlin said. "Throughout this season he helped [Speelman] become a good doubles player just by him working with the kid."
Defiance was 0-8 in the HCAC, finishing 4-20 overall. A commitment by the college to build an indoor practice facility before next year means Ault and his teammates won't need to drive 30 minutes to Wauseon to practice in the cold-weather months.
Defiance's roster is filled with players from the Toledo area. Freshmen Speelman and No. 2 singles Mike Ross hail from Bryan, while Maumee's Austin Gray went back and forth between Nos. 2 and 3 singles. Waite's Chance Brown manned the spot at No. 6 singles, and Clay senior Ryan Nelson is expected to arrive in the fall.
Ault is 76-48 in his career and his goal entering his final season is to crack 100 wins. Should he get to 103, he would overtake his brother Tyler as Defiance's career leader.
Tyler graduated last spring, and Trevor, a dean's list mainstay, will graduate next spring with a degree in communications.
"I'll settle for 102, although 103 wouldn't be the worst thing," Trevor said.
Contact Ryan Autullo at: rautullo@theblade.com or 419-724-6160.
First Published May 11, 2011, 4:15 a.m.
