Drake University tennis fans across the world now have the opportunity to watch and cheer on the Bulldogs during home matches this season thanks to a state-of-the-art video streaming system installed on all six courts at the Roger Knapp Tennis Center.
 
AVI Systems, Inc. created the custom engineered solution that was fully funded through the generosity of private donations and a USTA Collegiate Court Technology Grant. The six, cutting-edge HD ROVOCAMS will provide crystal-clear footage of the Bulldogs' on-court successes during all indoor matches in real time via YouTube Live.
 
"Live streaming matches has been a long-time dream of the program, and I thank our very passionate supporters for making that dream a reality," said Drake men's tennis head coach Davidson Kozlowski. "A special 'thank you' to Kirk Schuler, Aaron Forsberg and Paul Curtis for the critical role they played in bringing live streaming to Drake tennis. Some of our fans and parents of our international student-athletes now have the opportunity to cheer on the Bulldogs from every corner of the world. This technology is an exciting enhancement for our program as we begin the season with five seniors representing the Bulldogs on the court."
 
In addition to showcasing the Bulldogs in competition, the systems provide coaches the ability to record practice sessions and provide greater personal instruction to student-athletes through video technology.
 
"This will have a large impact with future recruiting," said Drake women's tennis head coach Mai-Ly Tran. "Our alumni, parents and fans will be able to watch matches from anywhere – which is particularly exciting for our international and out-of-state student-athletes.  This technology will equip us with superior tools for match and player analysis, and I do not doubt that we will see an immediate positive impact on the program."
 
The system makes its debut this weekend when the men's team hosts four matches at the Roger Knapp Tennis Center beginning with an 11 a.m. match Saturday morning against Northern Illinois followed by a 6 p.m. contest against Tennessee Tech. Action resumes Sunday at 10 a.m. against Purdue and 6 p.m. in a Summit League match against Illinois State.
 
The men's team was the unanimous preseason favorite to repeat as Summit League champions with a veteran roster that features five seniors.
 
Drake's women's team begins its season this weekend in Arizona with matches against Grand Canyon University and Arizona State. The team was tabbed third in the recent Missouri Valley Conference preseason poll and will make its home debut Jan. 26 against Creighton at the Roger Knapp Tennis Center.