The Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) is proud to announce the selection of the College of Coastal Georgia for the 2024 ITA NAIA Men’s Team Sportsmanship Award and William Carey University for the 2024 ITA NAIA Women’s Team Sportsmanship Award.
Awarded each year following the conclusion of the ITA NAIA National Team Indoor Championships, the ITA NAIA Team Sportsmanship Award is presented annually to the team that displays exceptional sportsmanship, character, and ethical conduct during the national championship event.
“Anytime your team receives accolades outside of their results on the court you are extremely grateful, but to have the team recognized for how they carried themselves and represented our institution in competition is something that makes you extremely proud,” said Coastal Georgia Head Coach Zack Rogers. “Tennis is a game that is based on honor, honesty, and respect for your opponent. We truly appreciate the opportunity we have to do what we love, whether that is coaching, or competing as a student-athlete, but more than anything we are thankful for the lasting friendships and relationships that we build along the way, and blessed to be a part of college tennis. Thank you for this honor.”
Although the top 8 teams compete at the ITA NAIA National Team Indoor Championships, the No. 9 ranked College of Coastal Georgia Men’s Tennis Team was invited to compete at the tournament following Keiser forgoing their spot. The Mariners represented Coastal Georgia against Georgia Gwinnett, Southeastern and Xavier.
“The ITA and host, William Woods University, did an amazing job with this National Championship. Everyone showed great sportsmanship and deserved to win this award,” said William Carey Head Coach Marc Lux. “Our team strives for excellence on and off the court. We value how we treat each other within the team but also others around us. We want to lead in our community and impact the lives around us in a positive, humble way. We understand that it is a privilege to be a student-athlete and we are thankful for the opportunity we have been given to pursue a degree while continuing our passion for playing tennis. We feel honored for the award given by the ITA and coaches as it reflects our values as a team and university.”
At the tournament, the Crusaders faced off against Southeastern University, St. Thomas University and Ave Maria.
