May 12, 2010
STANFORD, Calif.- Both Stanford tennis programs were well-represented among the ITA Regional Award winners, as announced on Wednesday afternoon.
Stanford is part of the ITA's Northwest Region, which includes California, Cal Poly, Fresno State, Gonzaga, Nevada, Oregon, Pacific, Sacramento State, Saint Mary's, San Francisco, San Jose State, Santa Clara, UC Davis, Washington and Washington State.. Winners from the regional ballot are then eligible for the ITA's national awards, which are announced later this month.
On the men's side, assistant coach Brandon Coupe and junior Alex Clayton were both honored. Coupe was recognized as the ITA Assistant Coach of the Year while Clayton picked up the ITA/Arthur Ashe Award for Leadership & Sportsmanship in addition to garnering the ITA/Rafael Osuna Sportsmanship Award.
The ITA/Arthur Ashe Award for Leadership and Sportsmanship goes to a player who has exhibited outstanding sportsmanship and leadership as well as scholastic, extracurricular and tennis achievements. The Rafael Osuna Award goes to a men's player who displays sportsmanship, character, excellent academics, and has had outstanding tennis accomplishments.
The women's team was spotlighted with three selections. Among the Cardinal award winners was Lele Forood, garnering Wilson/ITA Coach of the Year honors after also receiving this year's similar honor from the Pac-10.
Freshman Mallory Burdette was named the ITA Rookie Player of the Year while junior Hilary Barte was recognized as the ITA Player to Watch.
Both teams are in action at home this weekend, hosting the first and second rounds of the NCAA Championship.