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In college men's tennis, the Atlantic Coast Conference has always been packed with strong teams. This year, one of the hottest teams in the conference - as well as the nation - is Virginia Tech. Harry Cicma of NBC Sports recently got the chance to sit down with Hokie Head Coach Jim Thompson.

Questions and Answers

Harry Cicma (HC): Your Hokies are currently ranked #22 in the Campbell/ITA College Tennis Rankings, and you have been ranked in the top 15 - which is quite possibly the best start in the school's history. What has led to this success?

Jim Thompson (JT): We have worked very hard for many years to achieve this type of success, but this season we got off to such a great start with the home victory over Kentucky. We played extremely well and I feel the reason for this was we really prepared for it. We had a good fall and we played good competition. Our guys worked hard over the break and came back in shape and ready to start the season.

HC: The ACC Conference is, without a doubt, one of the most heavily-contested conferences in the country. What has it been like coaching against some of the NCAA's top talent?

JT: The ACC is certainly a very talented conference, and I have been very fortunate to coach in such a prestigious league. It is certainly the challenge that all coaches seek, and competing against the best is the only way to really improve.

HC: Your team beat 23rd-ranked Rice 7-0 during a dual match this season. Does this result prove that you are a contender for the national team title?

JT: I think putting that much value on any one result is a mistake. What it does say is that we have a very talented team that is capable of big wins. Rice has a good program and will certainly win lots of matches this spring, so we are fortunate to have played so well at home against them.