Wilson ITA Coach of the Year
Gabriel Gutierrez | University of Houston
Gabriel Gutierrez is a University of Houston alumnus and has been the Tennis Head Coach for Adaptive Athletics at UH since 2018. Throughout the years, he has coached through multiple events and helped with the logistics of the Cougar Open. Besides working with Adaptive Athletics at UH, Coach Gabriel also coaches wheelchair tennis at Pearland Parks and Recreation, and volunteers as a member of the USTA Texas Wheelchair Tennis Committee helping expand wheelchair tennis in Texas. In 2024, Gutierrez led Houston to a Team National Championship at the ITA National Wheelchair Tennis Championships.
ITA Player of the Year
Evan Heller | Auburn University
Evan Heller’s contributions to the sport of wheelchair tennis, coupled with his outstanding academic achievements and commitment to serving others, make him an exemplary recipient of the ITA Wheelchair Player of the Year. Over the past two years, Evan has showcased exceptional talent and dedication as a member of the Auburn University Wheelchair Tennis Team. He has two USTA B singles championships at the Cincinnati Open and Cajun Classic, along with securing victories in two B doubles championships at the Montgomery Open and Cajun Classic. Evan also finished the 2023 Collegiate National Championship as the B division runner-up.
ITA Rookie of the Year
Cate Evans | University of Michigan
Cate Evans, a freshman at the University of Michigan began both her collegiate and tennis career at the start of the academic year. Cate traveled with the team to the University of Alabama for an invitational, as well as two USTA tournaments, the GLASA and the Cajun. Cate also contributed to a home win against Michigan State at the Wolverine Invitational winning both singles and doubles matches. Outside of the on-court performances, Cate has demonstrated great leadership on the team as a Freshman. She often assists teammates with their equipment before practice, being supportive of teammates while at tournaments, and ensures all teammates feel supported and welcomed on the team.
