Wilson ITA Coach of the Year
Dr. Eddy Shigley | Indiana Wesleyan University
Eddy Shigley is the Men’s and Women’s Tennis Coach at Indiana Wesleyan University. IWU women’s tennis is one of the most respected programs in the country. They currently have won the Crossroads League Championship 25 years in a row. They are the only team to have qualified for the NAIA National Tournament every year, since the inception of the team format in 2000. They have made it to the Elite 8, two years in a row.
ITA Assistant Coach of the Year
Robert McAdoo | Georgia Gwinnett College
In his three seasons with the Georgia Gwinnett women’s tennis program, Robert McAdoo has been a constant source of energy and passion for the team. McAdoo helped lead the program to an undefeated season and a fifth straight NAIA national championship. The student-athletes competed all season with a high level of sportsmanship that is modeled by the coaching staff.
ITA Arthur Ashe Leadership & Sportsmanship Award
Maddie Bemisderfer | Indiana Wesleyan University
Maddie won the ITA East Region singles title this past season and was runner-up the previous season. She went 2-1 in both singles and doubles at the ITA National Tournament. Maddie has won the ITA East Regional doubles title all 3 years. Maddie is currently ranked #14 in the nation for singles and No. 6 in Doubles. She finished last year ranked #3 in the nation in doubles as she and her partner, Lizzie Bauss, completed a perfect season going 33-0. She finished last year ranked No. 28 in singles.
ITA Rookie of the Year Award
Iryna Lysykh | Georgia Gwinnett College
Georgia Gwinnett’s Iryna Lysykh capped off her first year of college tennis by being named an ITA Singles and Doubles All-American. The 18-year-old had a stellar year for the Grizzlies. Playing primarily in the middle of the lineup, Lysykh finished with a 17-2 record in singles. In doubles, she spent most of her time at the No. 3 spot and finished with a 14-1 record. Lysykh ended the year ranked No. 16 in the nation in singles and No. 8 in doubles.
ITA Most Improved Senior Award
Sarah Schaerer | Keiser University
The growth and development of Sarah Schaerer have been amazing to see. Not only her tennis level but her commitment to her team and its success. Sarah is one of the first to practice and last to leave. She has been in and out of the top 25 in the singles and doubles rankings but playing on a strong team she has been lower in the lineup and never complains. She is currently ranked No. 36 in singles and No. 17 in doubles.
ITA Senior Player of the Year
Cade Pierson | Westmont College
During her five years with the program, Cade Pierson has left her mark on Westmont women’s tennis. Beginning her sophomore year, Pierson emerged as a leader for the Warriors. She served as the team captain for three seasons. Her incredible sportsmanship and success on court was an inspiration to her teammates. Last season, Pierson was honored as the ITA Arthur Ashe Leadership & Sportsmanship Award winner for NAIA Women.
