AASU's Novakova, Earnshaw, Secker Claim ITA National Awards

SANLANDO SPRINGS, FLA -- Armstrong Atlantic State's Sona Novakova was named the national Rookie of the Year while both her head coach and assistant coach also received national awards from the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) at a banquet in Sanlando Springs, Fla., on the eve of the national championships. Simon Earnshaw was named the national Coach of the Year while David Secker was named national Assistant Coach of the Year, the first time the ITA has recognized assistant coaches.

Novakova is currently the top-ranked singles player in the nation with a perfect 20-0 dual match singles record this season. The PBC's Player and Freshman of the Year in 2009, Novakova was also the ITA DII National singles champion in the fall and 14 of her 20 singles wins this season have come against nationally-ranked opponents. The Slapanice, Czech Republic, native is the fourth AASU player to earn ITA National Rookie of the Year honors and the first since Zsofi Golopencza in 2001.

Earnshaw nabs a third career ITA Women's Tennis Coach of the Year honor after leading the Lady Pirates to a No. 3 national ranking, a 24-1 overall record and a sixth consecutive season with one loss or less. In his 10th year at the helm of AASU Tennis, Earnshaw has compiled a 259-29 career record with the women, including national titles in 2005 and 2008.

Secker, meanwhile, earns the first-ever Assistant Coach of the Year honors for both the men and the women. A former four-year player for the Pirates, Secker has helped the AASU men achieve a No. 1 national ranking and a 26-1 overall record, while also assisting the No. 3-ranked Lady Pirates to their 24-1 mark. This is Secker's third season as the assistant coach at AASU.

Wilson/ITA Coach of the Year – Simon Earnshaw, Armstrong Atlantic State University
ITA Assistant Coach of the Year - David Secker, Armstrong Atlantic State University
ITA Senior Player of the Year– Helena VanEysendeyk, California University of PA
ITA Rookie Player of the Year – Sona Novakova, Armstrong Atlantic State University
ITA Player to Watch – Senka Softic, Florida Southern College
ITA/Arthur Ashe Jr. Award for Leadership and Sportsmanship – Ina Dan, University of California-San Diego