Mens and Womens 2008 Tennis Media Guide

2008 Eagle Tennis Media Guide 2007-2008 Men’s and Women’s Tennis Media Guide Table of Contents The President ............................................. 2 The University ..........................................3-4 Athletic Staff ................................................ 5 Local Attractions......................................... 6 Athletic Facilities......................................... 7 The Coaching Staff ..................................... 8 Season Outlook .......................................... 9 Men’s Profiles ...................................... 10-14 Women’s Profiles .................................15-18 Big South Conference .............................. 19 Big South Tennis Honors ......................... 20 Quick Facts Location ........................................ Rock Hill, SC Founded ...................................................... 1886 Enrollment .................................................6,610 School Colors .............................. Garnet & Gold Nickname ................................................ Eagles Conference ......................................... Big South NCAA Affiliation ....................................... NCAA I President ...................... Dr. Anthony J. DiGiorgio Athletic Director .......................... Tom Hickman Assistant AD-Media Relations.......... Jack Frost Assistant AD-Athletic Training ............ Jeff Lahr Assistant AD-Marketing .............. Daniel Hopper Assistant AD-Compliance ........ Scott McDonald Assistant AD-Operations ................ Dan Murray Athletic Business Manager .. Debbie Newsome NCAA Faculty-Athletic Rep.: .....Evelyne Weeks Head Tennis Coach ...................... Cid Carvalho Assistant Tennis Coaches ...... Clayton Almeida ....................................................... Tiago Ruffoni ........................................................ Kenny Doyle On the Cover Media Information This publication was prepared to assist the media in covering the Winthrop men’s and women’s tennis programs during the 2008 season. Player and coaches biographical sketches along with schedules, rosters and season outlooks are included. Should you need further information or assistance, or need additional copies of this publication, please contact the Winthrop Athletic Media Relations Office at 803-323-2129 ext. 6245, or email frostj@winthrop.edu. This publication was written by Gustavo Zanette, media relations assistant, and printing was provided by Reynolds and Reynolds Printing Co., Inc. of Rock Hill, SC. Photos provided by Jack Frost, Joel Nichols, Gustavo Zanette and Cid Carvalho. Visit the Winthrop Athletics web site at: Head coach Cid Carvalho is accompanied by team captains Vinicius Bortolatto and Larisa Bekmetova with the Memorial Courts in the background. www.winthropeagles.com 1 2008 Eagle Tennis Media Guide President Anthony J. DiGiorgio Now beginning his 19th year as president of Winthrop University, Dr. Anthony J. DiGiorgio believes that attaining excellence requires three things: · caring more than some might think is wise, “We at Winthrop encourage · risking more than some might think is safe, and excellence in all endeavors, · dreaming more than some might think is practical. both in the classroom and It is that approach that has resulted in Dr. DiGiorgio now being the longest- serving president of any public university in in the playing arena.” South Carolina – and Winthrop University having grown from a regional college with a venerable history to a national-caliber comprehensive university that helps set the pace for quality higher education in the thriving Charlotte-Metrolina region. DiGiorgio began his presidency by articulating a “Vision of Distinction” for Winthrop, then leading the university community in designing a series of annual work plans that advance the goals In 1970, he began the first of 19 years of service at The encompassed by the vision. While each year’s work plan is College of New Jersey, a former state teachers’ college that adjusted as market imperatives shift, a core of agreed-upon evolved to a nationally recognized comprehensive college. He values remains at the center of the endeavor. Each new year’s served The College of New Jersey in a number of positions, work plan builds on the foundation of the previous year’s including Vice President for Academic Affairs. Also while there, achievements. DiGiorgio likens it to a family’s achievements, he met his wife, Gale, who was then Dean of Student Life at a with each new generation building on the foundation of its elders nearby institution. — an observation drawn from his own youth. In January 1989, Dr. DiGiorgio was appointed by the The son of an immigrant bricklayer, Anthony Joseph Winthrop College Board of Trustees to become Winthrop’s ninth DiGiorgio was born in Sharon, Pennsylvania, in 1940. Like many president. In that role, he led the college’s conversion to Winthrop immigrants to this country, the DiGiorgio family found that hard University, a comprehensive teaching institution now offering 59 work and persistence were the keys to survival in America – key undergraduate and 49 graduate degree programs and options, elements that characterize the DiGiorgio leadership style today. and initiated the University’s successful drive to achieve 100 After receiving his undergraduate degree at Gannon percent accreditation in all Winthrop programs for which national College, Dr. DiGiorgio earned his master’s and doctoral degrees accreditation is offered. from Purdue University. After achieving his Ph.D., Dr. DiGiorgio Today, Winthrop University is regularly rated among the top continued his education with extensive postdoctoral training in public institutions of its kind in the South, winning accolades for psychology and educational development. In 1987, he attended academic excellence, character development, commitment to the Institute for Educational Management at Harvard University. diversity, student programming, sound fiscal management and Dr. DiGiorgio’s career in education began in 1963 when he environmental achievements. In 2004, it was the only public taught English at Belleville Senior High School in New Jersey. university in South Carolina to be named one of Consumer Three years later, he became an instructor and Assistant to the Digest’s “Best Values” in higher education. Dean of Humanities, Social Science and Education at Purdue In 2005, Dr. DiGiorgio began his second term on the board University. of directors of the NCAA, and he also serves as a member of the NCAA College Basketball Partnership, a group of educators, coaches, NCAA and national media figures charged with addressing key issues ranging from academic-athletic balance to fan behavior and sportsmanship. He presently serves as president of the Big South Conference. The DiGiorgio Years at Winthrop • Dr. Anthony J. DiGiorgio is a widely respected educator who has been involved with the major issues affecting higher education for more than 27 years. During his 18 years at Winthrop, he has led the transition to university designation and achieved national visibility for the institution through his personal involvement in a host of regional and national associations. • Building on Winthrop’s tradition of excellence in public higher education, he has helped mobilize the university’s energies and resources to build academic programs of national caliber, while enhancing all aspects of residential life. Winthrop is ranked academically as one of the top regional universities in the south in U.S. News & World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges.” Winthrop has also been ranked by the Princeton Review as one of the top public universities in the southeast, and has annually earned a top 20 ranking in U.S. News & World Report’s guide, “America’s Best College Values.” In addition, Winthrop is included in Consumer Digest’s “Best Buys in College Education.” Winthrop President Anthony DiGiorgio and First Lady Gale 2 2008 Eagle Tennis Media Guide Winthrop University ‘One of America’s Best’ Winthrop University is ideally located just off I-77, 30 minutes south of Charlotte, North Carolina. Founded in 1886, the picturesque campus in Rock Hill, South Carolina, is included in the National Register of Historic Places. Towering trees, stately buildings and quaint surroundings create a lasting impression. Steeped in tradition, Winthrop is a public institution with regional prominence. Experience The Best At Winthrop, students excel in an academic environment that is second to none among South Carolina’s senior colleges and teaching universities. National accreditations in all eligible programs, unique course offerings, and modern, well-equipped facilities guarantee a national-caliber education. With all that Winthrop has to offer, it should be no surprise that U.S. News & World Report ranks Winthrop as a top 10 Southern regional public university, and Consumer Digest ranks Winthrop in its Top 50 List of America’s “Best Values” among colleges and universities. An Active Campus Complemented by a 300-acre recreational area, Winthrop’s 100-acre main campus is home to 6,600 students, a student body large enough to offer a wide range of academic and extracurricular offerings found at larger universities, while at the same time small to enough to encourage personal contact with professors and friends. More than 100 clubs and interest groups, national Greek organizations, NCAA Division I athletics and an award-winning student programming board voted best in the nation keep campus life interesting and full of activity. Learning Opportunities Learning at Winthrop, inside the classroom and outside, simply never stops. Through international and national student exchange agreements, students can travel and meet new people while earning degree credits. Internships and cooperative education programs allow students to test the job market. Service learning projects and other volunteer options enable students opportunities to make a difference on their campus and in the local community. A Bright Future Winthrop’s national- caliber academic programs have enabled 99 percent of its alumni seeking employment to secure jobs within one year of graduation. Others choose to continue their education in post-graduate studies or enter a wide variety of professional positions in the arts, business, medicine, government or law. Winthrop’s exceptionally loyal and enthusiastically active alumni currently total 43,000 worldwide. 3 2008 Eagle Tennis Media Guide The University Winthrop’s scenic central campus is one of Rock Hill’s five historic districts, with several buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including Byrnes Auditorium (left). Johnson Hall (right) is one of the premier performance facilities in the South and is the home of Winthrop’s performing arts and mass communications departments. Richardson Hall (right), an eightstory, high-rise residence hall serves as one of the on-campus housing facilities for male stu-dents. Winthrop’s students are provided with several options for residence life. They range from regular residence hall rooms to apartment lifestyle. Student-Athletes are involved in many community service projects that also includes reading to children in the local schools (above). Winthrop student-athletes have the convenience of a computer lab (above) along with a study hall area (right) which is located in the coliseum. Winthrop’s student-athletes have access to three on-campus dining facilities including Thomson Cafeteria (above) where three bountiful meals are served each day during the school year. The Winthrop Memorial Courts, completed in 2004, is one of the finest tennis facilities in the Big South Conference. 4 2008 Eagle Tennis Media Guide Athletic Administrative Staff Tom Hickman Director of Athletics Tom Hickman is in his 12th year as Winthrop’s director of athletics. He was appointed to the position in July of 1996 after serving as associate athletic director for seven years. The North Carolina native graduated from Wake Forest University in 1970, and also received his master’s degree from Wake Forest in 1974. Hickman is a member of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), and is a former member of the NCAA Div. I Management Council and the NCAA Legislative Review and Interpretations Committee. He serves on the Big South Conference Budget and Basketball Tournament committees. He and his wife, Karen, are parents of two sons, Wesley and Brett, and a daughter, Lauren. Jack Frost Assistant AD for Media Relations Dan Murray Assistant AD for Operations Jeff Lahr Assistant AD for Athletic Training Daniel Hopper Assistant AD for Marketing and Promotions Scott McDonald Assistant AD for Student Services Brett Redden Assistant Director Media Relations Sharen DuBard Gustavo Zanette Scott Finn Director of Media Relations Director of Intern Broadcast Services Eagle Club and Development Aimee Trantham Director of Marketing and Event Management Lauren Birnie Director of Ticket Sales Debbie Newsome Athletic Business Manager Andy Kettler Strength and Conditioning Coach Hayes Galitski Assistant Strength Coach Arby Jones Grad. Assistant Strength Coach Trent O’Neal Athletic Trainer Halee Erbe Athletic Trainer Jonathan Vieira Athletic Trainer Norma McDuffie Director CHAMPS/Life Skills SWA Evelyne Weeks NCAA Faculty Rep. Melissa Perry Director of Academic Services Diane Wright Administrative Assistant GailLittle Administrative Assistant Linda Dorsett Administrative Assistant Kathy Boulware Administrative Assistant 5 2008 Eagle Tennis Media Guide Local Attractions Professional Sports Are Abundant... In addition to the excitement of Winthrop sports, Triple AAA baseball, NBA and WNBA basketball, NFL football, Arena Football, and ECHL hockey are nearby in Charlotte. Lights, Camera, Action...the Winthrop campus and Rock Hill area have been the scenes for movies such asThe Patriot(right). Have A Fun Day At The Amusement Park Or Lake... Paramounts Carowinds theme park and beautiful Lake Wylie provide fun and thrills during the warmweather months. International Airport Provides A Link Around The World ... Charlotte/ Douglas International Airport is located just 30 minutes from Winthrop’s campus. Charlotte’s Skyline Overlooks Home of Panthers ... The ever-growing skyline of the Queen City overlooks Bank of America Stadium. 6 2008 Eagle Tennis Media Guide Athletic Facilities Basketball and volleyball are played in the Winthrop Coliseum (left) while the 1,800-seat Winthrop Ballpark (right) is one of the finest on-campus baseball facilities in the south. Winthrop’s Irwin Belk Track and Field hosted its first meet in March of 2006. Terry Field (left) provides the Lady Eagle softball program with a first-rate facility while Memorial Courts (below left) is the home of Winthrop’s championship men’s and women’s tennis program. Eagle Field (above) is the home playing site for the men’s and women’s soccer programs. A nine-hole golf course (below) offers students, faculty, staff and Eagle Club members a prime location to hone their skills. A championship quality athletic program would not be complete without the outstanding athletic training and strength and conditioning facilities located within the Winthrop Coliseum. 7 2008 Eagle Tennis Media Guide Meet The Coaches Cid Carvalho Head Coach Cid Carvalho is in his 23rd season with the Winthrop tennis program and his 22nd as the head coach of both the men’s and women’s teams. A 1981 Winthrop graduate, Carvalho received a degree in physical education before earning his master’s degree in 1989. A native of São Paulo, Brazil, Carvalho has posted a combined men’s and women’s record of 518-309. He has enjoyed a high level of success guiding the women’s program to 10 Big South Conference championships and three runnerup finishes, and the men’s program to four titles and seven runner-up spots. He has been voted Big South Conference women’s Coach of the Year nine times (1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2000, 2002 2003, and 2004), and men’s Coach of the Year three times (1997,2002 and 2004). Carvalho was awarded the distinction of “High Performance Coach” by the USTA’s Player Development Program in 2000. He has many years of teaching experience and has served as tennis director of the City of Rock Hill from 1983 through 1997. He is a member of the U.S. Professional Tennis Registry, the South Carolina Professional Tennis Association and the United States Professional Tennis Association. He is a past member of the NCAA Division I Regional Advisory Committee where he served for five years. As a college player, Carvalho held the top flight for Winthrop. He has also been ranked in the top spot in doubles and mixed doubles in South Carolina. Carvalho and his wife Sherri are the parents of a son, Joseph, who graduated from the University of the South, and a daughter, Gabriela, who plays tennis there. Women Year 1986 1987 1988 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Total W 6 13 1 6 8 11 9 18 14 13 12 3 15 14 4 18 19 16 21 16 10 247 L 8 11 13 13 8 4 5 0 5 6 9 16 7 4 13 5 2 3 4 7 15 158 Pct. .429 .542 .071 .316 .500 .733 .643 1.000 .737 .684 .571 .158 .682 .777 .235 .783 .904 .842 .840 .695 .400 .610 Carvalho’s Career Coaching Record Men Year 1986 1987 1988 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Total W L Pct. 12 12 .500 11 11 .500 9 9 .500 10 10 .500 12 7 .632 14 8 .636 season cancelled 9 9 .500 12 8 .600 13 8 .619 22 2 .917 13 5 .722 16 8 .652 7 12 .368 13 5 .722 20 3 .870 15 4 .789 16 20 16 11 271 5 5 10 10 151 .762 .800 .615 .524 .642 Kenny Doyle Assistant Coach Kenny Doyle, a 1980 Campbell graduate, starts his second season as an assistant coach at Winthrop. As a head coach, he guided Campbell to six Big South champioships and was selected the Coach of the Year three times in 10 years with the Fighting Camels. He posted a combined 190-131 men’s and women’s record at Campbell. Doyle’s 1993 women’s team at Campbell was considered one of the nation’s top 40 programs. He is married to the former Cathy Oliver and has two sons, Nick and Christopher. Clayton Almeida Graduate Assistant Clayton Almeida, a native of Três Corações, Brazil, and one of the most successful players in Winthrop´s history, begins his second year as one of the graduate assistants for the men´s team. Almeida compiled an impressive 113-27 record throughout his career playing at No.1 singles. He was the first Winthrop athlete to be selected Big South Player of the Year four times. He was voted Region II Rookie of the Year in 2002. Almeida also played professional tennis reaching the 861st position in singles and 602nd in doubles in the ATP ranking. Presently, Almeida is working on a Master´s Degree in finance. Tiago Ruffoni Graduate Assistant Tiago Ruffoni, a Porto Alegre, Brazil native, enters his first year as the women’s team graduate assistant coach. Ruffoni played college tennis for four years at SEC powerhouse Auburn, where he played among the top three players from 1999 to 2002 reaching the No.1 spot at the ITA Doubles Ranking and the top 20 at the ITA Singles Ranking. As a junior, Ruffoni led the Brazilian national singles ranking throughout most of his career and posted wins over current stars Lleyton Hewitt and Roger Federer. Presently, Ruffoni is seeking a Master’s Degree in business administration. 8 2008 Eagle Tennis Media Guide Season Outlook Lady Eagles Hungry To Maintain Big South Supremacy The Winthrop women’s tennis team is slated to be at the top of the conference standings one more time as it was picked first in the Annual Big South Preseason Poll. With four returners, all of them starters, head coach Cid Carvalho’s expectations are high this season. “We are returning one senior, one junior and two sophomores, and the freshmen have vast experience playing ITF tournaments,” he says. Senior Larisa Bekmetova (Urgench, Uzbekistan), junior Patricia Coimbra (São Paulo, Brazil), an AllBig South Singles selection, and sophomores Paula Pereira (São Paulo, Brazil), an All-Big South Doubles performer, and Yelena Fadina (Almaty, Kazakhstan) are the four returners who will share their college experience with a Patricia Coimbra is Winthrop’s top returner for 2008. group of three talented freshmen. Lisa Wilkinson (Wellington, New Zealand), who joined the team in the fall, Sara Abutovic (Ljubljana, Slovenia) and Elizaveta Zaytseva (Ryazan, Russia), both spring additions, come to the women’s team with much experience at the junior level. “These players should have no problem adjusting to the college level,” says Carvalho. Having won seven Big South titles in the past 10 years, the Lady Eagles will look to regain the league crown at home as the Memorial Courts will be the 2008 Conference Tournament’s host site. Winthrop won the event the last two times it was played in Rock Hill, in 2004 and 2005. “I’m definitely excited to have the Big South Tournament here at our courts this year,” says Carvalho. Men’s Team With High Hopes For The 2008 Season The 2008 Winthrop men’s tennis team will be striving to continue a seven-year streak. The Eagles have reached the Conference Tournament championship game every year since 2001. Winthrop was picked to finish second in the Annual Big South Preseason Poll behind last year’s champion Radford. Head coach Cid Carvalho will have the services of three seniors and a junior to lead the pack. Seniors Vinicius Bortolatto (Dracena, Brazil), who had a solid fall after sitting out in 2007, Rodrigo Santos (Brasilia, Brazil), who played No.1 for Winthrop in 2007, Alejandro Portugal (Arequipa, Peru), who has been a three-year starter, and junior Arthur Takahashi (Ribeirão Preto, Brazil), who is a scrappy hard-working two-year starter, all have won at least one Big South Conference ring and are ready to pass the message along to five newcomers. Sergey Belov (Nizhniy Novgorod, Russia), Walter Basten (Lynchburg, VA), who is a junior transfer from Rodrigo Santos looks to finish his Eagle career in great fashion. Queens University, Andre Merg (Rock Hill, SC), a sophomore transfer from College of Charleston, Jose Pardo (Arequipa, Peru) and Marcin Majchrzak (Ostrow Wielkopolski, Poland) will complete the nine-men roster. ““I feel that we have the potential to be a very good team this year,” says Carvalho. “We have four veterans in Vinicius, Rodrigo, Arthur and Alejandro leading five new players in Sergey, Marcin, Jose, Andre and Walter into the season.” In addition to the talented squad he has in his hands, Carvalho will have history on his side as the Big South Conference will be played at the Memorial Courts. Winthrop has never lost a league tournament played at its home complex as it captured the 2004 and 2005 events. “I’m definitely excited to have the Big South Tournament here at our courts this year,” says Carvalho. 9 2008 Eagle Tennis Media Guide Vinicius Bortolatto 6-0, Senior Dracena, Brazil Cenap H.S. Senior Highlights (Fall 2007): Compiled an 8-5 record before suffering a broken wrist in the second round of the ITA Regional... Went 4-3 in doubles... Won three matches at the All-American pre-qualifying draw... Made the Dean’s List. Junior Highlights (2006-07): Sat out the entire year... Named to the Big South Honor Roll. Sophomore Highlights (2005-06): Collected a 17-5 singles record playing at the No.1 slot... Had a 13-3 doubles mark playing mostly at the No.3 position... Gathered All-Conference honors for singles and academics... Made the Big South honor roll... Was ranked as high as 125th in the nation in singles. Freshman Highlights (2004-05): Vinicius had a superb freshman season finishing with a 23-1 mark at No.2 singles... Compiled a 12-6 doubles record playing at No.3... Was All-Conference selection in singles and doubles... Named to the Big South Honor Roll... Compiled a 7-2 record in the fall with two runner-up finishes. Prep/Personal Highlights: Ranked among the top three junior players in Brazil during his entire junior career... While playing for Brazil, captured the South American U-18 Team Championship... Finished third in the U18 World Team Championship in Miami, FL, in 2000... Son of Nelson and Neide Bortolatto... Majoring in finance... Born February 27, 1982. Alejandro Portugal 6-0, Senior Arequipa, Peru Max Uhle H.S. Senior Highlights (Fall 2007): Played tournaments at Georgia, South Carolina and UNC going 1-4 in singles and 1-2 in doubles...Made the Dean’s List. Junior Highlights (2006-07): Went Getting to 14-14 in singles over the year playing primarily at No.3... Was 11-11 in know doubles playing at No.2... Made the Alejandro... Big South Honor Roll. Sophomore Highlights (2005-06): Person Most Was 15-15 in singles and 19-12 in Admired: doubles on the year... Had a semifinal run at the Southern Intercollegiate and His brother Person Who Would a finalist campaign at the Wolfpack Invitational in the fall. Like to Meet: Freshman Highlights (2004-05): Ronaldinho Greatest Athletic Finished with a 12-7 record playing mostly at No.5 singles as a freshThrill: man... Had a 10-12 mark playing at Playing twice in the No.2 and 3 doubles... Made the Big NCAA Tournament South Honor Roll. Hobbies: Prep/Personal Highlights: Was Going to the beach, ranked among the top three players in Peru for U-18 and U-16 players... going out with Represented his country at the Under friends 16 South American Team ChampionFavorite Food: ship in 2002 in Chile... Cousin Peruvian food Mauricio Delgado played four years at Favorite Trip: Winthrop... Majoring in finance... Son Cuba in 2004 of Isabel Delgado and Alejandro Portugal... Born January 11, 1986. Getting to know Vinicius... Favorite Athletes: Gustavo Kuerten People Most Admired: His parents Greatest Athletic Thrill: Winning Conference Titles Hobbies: Fishing Favorite Book: Ayrton Senna´s Biography Favorite Food: Brazilian Barbecue Goal in Life: To work in Brazil 10 2008 Eagle Tennis Media Guide Rodrigo Santos 5-9, Senior Brasília, Brazil Ceteb H.S. Senior Highlights (Fall 2007): Compiled a 10-5 singles record as he played events at Auburn-Montgomery, Georgia, All-American, ITA Regional and South Carolina... Notched a 4-3 doubles mark... Captured the A-2 Getting to singles bracket at the South Carolina Fall Invitational... Advanced to the main know draw at the ITA Regional Tournament. Rodrigo... Junior Highlights (2006-07): Notched a 16-8 singles record playing primarily Favorite Athlete: at No.1...Made the All-Conference Ronaldinho Singles Team for the third straight year... Was also voted to the AllPerson Most Conference Doubles Team as he went Admired: 7-9 at No.1... Made the Big South His father Greatest Athletic Honor Roll. Sophomore Highlights (2005-06): Thrill: Led the team in wins as he had an Winning the Big 18-3 singles mark being undefeated for South Conference 17 matches... Was voted to the AllHobbies: Conference singles team... Went 10-11 Internet and soccer in doubles playing mostly No.1. Favorite Book: Freshman Highlights (2004-05): Had an impressive freshman season as he Winning Ugly posted an 18-6 record playing at No.3 Favorite Food: singles... Compiled a 7-12 mark in Brazilian food doubles playing in every position... Goal in Life Selected to the All-Big South Singles Work in the Team. United States Prep/Personal Highlights: Ranked among the top five in the Brazilian National Ranking for U-18 competition in 2004... Finished second in doubles at the Bolivian stop of the South American tour in 2004... Reached the 152nd position at the ITF World Juniors Ranking also in 2004... Majoring in finance... Son of Carlos Roberto Santos and Marcia Starling... Born April 17, 1986. Arthur Takahashi 5-7, Junior Ribeirão Preto, Brazil Liceu Albert Sabin H.S. Junior Highlighs (Fall 2007): 4-4 singles record in three tournaments... 1-2 in doubles... Was named to the Dean’s List. Sophomore Highlights (2006-07): Had a 17-15 singles year-record playing mostly at No.4... Went 1-4 in doubles... Was a Big South Presidential Scholar recipient... Also made the Dean’s List in the fall and the President’s List in the spring... Received the Arthur Ashe Award. Freshman Highlights (2005-06): Joined the team in the spring and compiled a 12-9 singles mark playing mostly at No.4... In doubles, posted a 13-5 mark at No.3... Made the Big South Honor Roll... Was named to the Dean’s List all two semesters. Prep/Personal Highlights: Led the Brazilian national singles ranking for U12 and U-14... Reached the No.9 position at the South American singles ranking for U-14... Ranked No.4 in Brazil in U-16... Is the younger brother of former Lady Eagle Paula Takahashi... Majoring in mass communication... Son of Paulo and Rosa Takahashi... Born May 10, 1988. Getting to know Arthur... Favorite Athletes: Roger Federer and Gustavo Kuerten Person Most Admired: His father Greatest Athletic Thrill: Playing in the 2002 World Junior Final Hobbies: Writting, reading, listening to music Favorite Book(s): Memorias de Um Encanto e Desencantos Favorite Food: Japanese food Goal in Life: To report news worldwide 11 2008 Eagle Tennis Media Guide Walter Basten 5-11, Junior Lynchburg, VA Queens University Prep/Personal Highlights: Joined the Eagles as a walk-on... Played at Division III school Ferrum College in 2003-04 and compiled an 11-6 singles mark at number two and a 12-3 doubles record playing number one... Played at Queens University in 200405 notching a 14-11 singles record playing primarily at number four... In high school also lettered in wrestling, track and cross country... Captured the District Championship and was ranked in the top five in Virginia... Won the Hard Court State Championship... Is majoring in sport management... Is the son of David and Leslie Basten... Born October 7, 1984. Andre Merg 5-8, Sophomore Rock Hill, SC College of Charleston Prep/Personal Highlights: Joined the Eagles as a walk-on after playing one season at College of Charleston... As a Cougar, he was 0-1 in singles... Went undefeated in his senior year at Northwestern... Was ranked in the top Getting to five for U-18 players in South Carolina... Reached the semifinals of the know Belton Tournament... Was a Dean’s Andre... List student in high school... Is majoring in chemistry ... Is the son of Mark Favorite Athletes: and Keiko Merg... Born June 16, 1988. Getting to know Walter... Favorite Athletes: Michael Jordan People Most Admired: His father and his brothers Greatest Athletic Thrill: Winning the Shamrock Half Marathon Hobbies: Playing the piano, writing songs Favorite Book: Babe Ruth’s Life Story Favorite Food: Pizza with ranch Goal in Life: Work as a tennis pro Brett Favre Greatest Athletic Thrill: Reaching the semifinal round of the Belton Tournament Hobbies: Playing basketball and video games Favorite Book: Catcher in the Rye Favorite Food: Sushi Person Most Admired: Roger Federer Goal in Life Playing professional tennis or attend grad school in chemistry 12 2008 Eagle Tennis Media Guide Sergey Belov 6-2, Freshman N. Novgorod, Russia Olympick Reserve Prep/Personal Highlights: Has the talent to make immediate impact when he becomes eligible to play... Will sit out his first year at Winthrop... Led the singles Russian national ranking for U-14 and was ranked third in U-16... Getting to Joined the Eagles in the spring semester... Reached the 113th position in the know ITF World Junior rankings... Finished Sergey... runner-up at the ITF TaTS Open in Finland in 2006 and won the doubles Favorite Athletes: bracket of the same event in 2005... Yevgeny Kafelnikov Reached the final round of the ITF People Most Aphrodite Cup in Cyprus in 2006... Captured 2nd place finishes in singles Admired: and doubles at the ITF Governor Cup in His parents Greatest Athletic Russia in 2006... Won the doubles bracket at ITF events Governor Cup Thrill: and Ozerov Cup in Russia in 2007 and Winning the Russian collected the doubles title at the ITF Open Aphrodite Cup in Cyprus in 2005 and Championship 2006... Is majoring in business adminHobbies: istration... Is the son of Sergey Belov Writting and playing and Tatiana Belova... Born July 12, soccer 1989. Marcin Majchrzak 5-11, Freshman O. Wielkopolski, Poland 2 Liceum Wielkopolski Prep/Personal Highlights: Arrived at Winthrop in the spring semester... Was ranked seventh in singles for U16 players in Poland... Was a top 30 singles U-18 player in Poland... Played number one for his region at the Team Championship in Poland... Also played handball in high school... Is majoring in economics... is the son of Marek and Dorota Majchrzak... Born February 24, 1988. Getting to know Marcin... Favorite Athlete: Andre Agassi People Most Admired: Wladyslaw Bartoszewski and Napoleon Bonaparte Greatest Athletic Thrill: Beating Krzysztof Muzalewski at the Polish U-14 Tournament Hobbies: Listening to music, reading books Favorite Book(s): Zorba the Greek, Lord of the Rings Favorite Food: Potatoes, meat and carrots Goal in Life: To open a tennis academy Favorite Book(s): Night Eyes Favorite Food: Borsh (Russian) Goal in Life: Play professional tennis 13 2008 Eagle Tennis Media Guide Jose Pardo 6-1, Freshman Arequipa, Peru Prescott H.S. Prep/Personal Highlights: Joined the team in January after finishing high school in December... Was ranked in the top three in Peru in singles and doubles throughout his entire junior career... Won the Peruvian national singles title in U-16... Was ranked in the top 15 in singles in the South American rankings for U-16 players... Is the cousin of current Eagle Alejandro Portugal and former Eagle captain Mauricio Delgado... Is majoring in business administration... Is the son of Juan Pardo and Patricia Delgado... Born January 23, 1990. The 2008 men’s team is looking forward to getting atop the Big South Conference. Getting to know Jose... Favorite Athlete: Roger Federer Person Most Admired: His grandfather Greatest Athletic Thrill: Winning the Peruvian singles national title Hobbies: Playing soccer, Play Station Favorite Book(s): The Millionaire Mind Favorite Food: Lasagna Goal in Life: To work in the exporting business The 2008 women’s team is hungry to regain its Big South Conference crown. 14 2008 Eagle Tennis Media Guide Larisa Bekmetova 5-7, Senior Urgench, Uzbekistan Gimnasium #3 Senior Highlights (Fall 2007): Is the vice president of SAAC... Had a 3-3 singles mark and 1-3 doubles record in two events played... Advanced to the second round at the ITA Regional doubles bracket. Getting to Junior Highlights (2006-07): Posted a 15-10 year-record in singles playing at know No.5 in the spring... Went 13-9 in Larisa... doubles at No.3... Received the Businessmen’s Association Award of Favorite Athlete: York County... Was an ITA ScholarYevgeny Plushenko Athlete. Sophomore Highlights (2005-06): Person Most Finished the year 25-9 in singles as Admired: she played mostly at the No.5 and 6 Her mother Greatest Athletic spots... Was 14-10 in doubles playing with four different partners... Made the Thrill: Big South Honor Roll. Winning the Kansas Freshman Highlights (2004-05): Championship Made the Presidential Scholars List... Hobbies: Finished the season 5-2 in singles at Reading and No.6 and 14-4 at No.3 doubles... Was dancing named to the President’s List. Favorite Book: Prep/Personal Highlights: Captured War and Peace, first place in the Khorezm State Championship four times... Won a Favorite Food: Manty and sharons State Championship in Kansas in 2003... Won the Khorezm State Economics Olympics in 1999... Finished third in the Khorezm State Championship for long distance in 1999...Majoring in environmental studies and Economics... Daughter of Kerimbey and Irina Bekmetova... Born December 14, 1986. Patrícia Coimbra 5-7, Junior São Paulo, Brazil Avanço H.S. Junior Highlights (Fall 2007): Holds a perfect 4.0 GPA after five semesters... Played in two tournaments and went 2-3 in singles... advanced a round at the ITA Regionals... Went 1-3 in doubles as she also passed the first round at the ITA Regional Tournament. Sophomore Highlights (2006-07): Received the Griffin-Guettler Award, given to the student-athlete with the highest GPA at Winthrop... Was voted to the Big South Conference AllSingles Team... Made the Big South All-Academic Team... Compiled a 1716 singles record throughout the year playing mostly at No.2 in the spring... Went 17-15 in doubles playing at No.2... Made the President’s List... Was an ITA Scholar-Athlete. Freshman Highlights (2005-06): Was chosen the Big South Rookie of the Year as she compiled a 13-10 spring record with a 7-1 conference mark... Posted a 15-8 doubles record playing mostly at No.2... Made the President’s List. Prep/Personal Highlights: Led the Brazilian national singles ranking throughout her entire junior career... Played twice at the World Team Championship representing Brazil; once for U-14 in Czech Republic, and for U-16 in France... Qualified twice for the European tour... Majoring in finance/ accounting... Daughter of Liliana Leite and Waldo Coimbra... Born October 2, 1986. Getting to know Patricia... Favorite Athlete: Rafael Nadal Person Most Admired: Her mother Greatest Athletic Thrill: Winning the Banana Bowl in Brazil Hobbies: Going out with friends and internet Favorite Book(s): The Da Vinci Code Favorite Food: Strogonoff Goals in Life: To be successful 15 2008 Eagle Tennis Media Guide Yelena Fadina 6-0, Sophomore Almaty, Kazakhstan KIMEP College Sophomore Highlights (Fall 2007): Went 0-4 in singles and 3-3 in doubles in the fall as she participated in two events. Freshman Highlights (2006-07): Joined the team in the spring and posted an 11-13 mark playing at No.4... Getting to Went 8-10 in doubles primarily playing know at No.3. Prep/Personal Highlights: Lettered Yelena... two years in volleyball and basketball Favorite Athlete: besides playing four years of tennis... Captured the first place in her high Marihan Johnes school olympic games for economics... Person Most Transferred from KIMEP College in Admired: Kazakhstan... Reached the 423rd Her parents position at the ITF World Juniors Greatest Athletic Rankings at the age of 15... Majoring in finance... Daughter of Vladimir Fadin Thrill: Reaching the final in and Ludmila Fadina... Born March 26, 1987. the Open Paula Pereira 5-5, Sophomore São Paulo, Brazil Humboldt Schule Sophomore Highlights (Fall 2007): Played in two events posting a 4-3 singles record. Freshman Highlights (2006-07): Went 12-15 in singles playing mostly at No.6... Was selected to the AllConference Doubles Team as she Meeting compiled a 9-17 mark primarily at Paula... No.1... Made the Dean’s List all two semesters... Made the Big South Favorite Athlete: Honor Roll... Was an ITA Scholar Gustavo Kuerten recipient. Prep/Personal Highlights: Captured Person Most the second place in the 2006 Brazilian Admired: National Singles Championship... Her parents Reached the top 5 in the Brazilian Greatest Athletic national singles ranking for players 18 Thrill: and under...Was a top 5 player in her Finishing second in home state of São Paulo also in U-18 the Brazilian Na- competition ... Majoring in business tional Singles administration... Daughter of Victor and Gilberta Pereira... Born March 19, Tournament 1988. Hobbies: Championship in Kazakhstan Hobbies: Snowboarding Favorite Book(s): War and World Favorite Food: Home made food Goals in Life: To be successful Favorite Vacation Spot: Chimbulak, Medeo in Kazakhstan Listening to music Favorite Book(s): The Harry Potter series Favorite Food: Brazilian rice and beans Person Who Would Like to Meet: Roger Federer Favorite Vacation Spot: Anywhere with her family 16 2008 Eagle Tennis Media Guide Sara Abutovic 5-11, Freshman Ljubljana, Slovenia Gimnazija Ljubljana Prep/Personal Highlights: Could play in the top three for the Lady Eagles this spring... Was ranked in the top eight U-14 players in Slovenia... Ranked in the top 15 in U-16 and U18... Played tournaments in Poland, Italy, Sweden, India, Nigeria, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates... Is majoring in business administration... Is the daughter of Rado and Tana Abutovic... Born September 29, 1986. Lisa Wilkinson 5-2, Freshman Wellington, New Zealand St. Peter’s H.S. Freshman Highlights (Fall 2007): Had a great run at the Virginia Tech Hokie Fall Invitational as she reached the “B” flight final match after winning three matches over players from Virginia Tech, Marshall and Ohio Getting to State... Finished the fall semester 4-3 in singles and 2-3 in doubles. know Prep/Personal Highlights: Is exLisa... pected to play in the top four for Winthrop this season... Captured the Favorite Athlete: second place in the ITF Sunsmart Roger Federer Tournament doubles bracket in New Zealand... Was ranked as high as Person Most sixth in singles in New Zealand for UAdmired: 18 players... Played number one for Her parents Greatest Athletic Wellington Senior Team... Won the National Hardcourt qualifying section Thrill: in singles and doubles in U-16... Older Having fans cheer- sister Angie went to Memphis on a ing for her in an tennis scholarship... Is majoring in international sport management... Is the daughter of tournament John and Leslie Wilkinson... Born Hobbies: August 20, 1988. Getting to know Sara... Favorite Athletes: Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal and Kaka People Most Admired: Her parents Greatest Athletic Thrill: Winning the Slovenian National Tournament Hobbies: Playing soccer, internet Favorite Vacation Spot: Dubai (UAE) Favorite Food: Filled peppers with mashed potatoes, tortillas Plan After Graduation: To get a job she will enjoy Reading, hanging out with friends Favorite Book(s): The Undomestic Goddess Goal in Life: Coaching or finding a job in the sport management field 17 2008 Eagle Tennis Media Guide Elizaveta Zaytseva 5-7, Freshman Ryazan, Russia # 56 Ryazan Prep/Personal Highlights: Has the talent to step up and be Winthrop’s top player in 2008... Was ranked 17th in Europe in U-16... Won the Tennis Europe U-16 singles event in Riga, Latvia... Won several Russian tournaments... Competed in Finland, Ukraine, Slovakia, Latvia, Belarus, India, Spain and Georgia... Is majoring in business administration... Is the daughter of Nikolay Zaytsev and Liubov Zaytseva... Born July 7, 1989. Eagles In Action Getting to know Elizaveta... Favorite Athlete: Martina Hingis and Maria Sharapova Person Most Admired: Maria Sharapova Favorite Vacation Places: Sochi (Russia), Paris (France), Mallorca (Spain) Hobbies: Skiing, skating, biking and listening to music Favorite Food: Caesar salad, cakes Goals in Life: To play professional tennis Santos poses with his 2007 South Carolina Fall Invitational first-place trophy. Wilkinson reached the finals at the Virginia Tech Hokie Invitational. Bortolatto playing at the All-American Championship in Tulsa, OK. 18 2008 Eagle Tennis Media Guide Now In its 24th Year, Conference Grows Into The 21st Century For more than 20 years, the Big South Conference has been a progressive, NCAA Division I athletic conference reflecting the energy and growth of the Southeastern United States. Founded in 1983, the Big South has matured into a competitive leader in college athletics, actively pursuing excellence both on the field of play and media partnerships, increased football and basketball television KYLE KALLANDER packages, the enhancement of the quality of Commissioner the student-athlete experience, and strategic planning that will carry the Big South Conference throughout the 21st Century. Now in its 24th year of existence, the Big South Conference includes eight institutions: Charleston Southern, Coastal Carolina, High Point, Liberty, UNC Asheville, Radford, Virginia Military Institute, and Winthrop. The conference is a member of the NCAA Division I and in 2007-08 will offer conference championships in 18 sports, including nine for men and nine for women. MARK BRYANT Conference championships in men’s sports Coordinator of will be played in basketball, baseball, football, New Media cross country, golf, soccer, tennis, and indoor and outdoor track and for women in basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, indoor and outdoor track, tennis, and volleyball. The Big South Conference was formed on Aug. 21, 1983 and one month later Dr. Edward M. Singleton was selected as the league’s first commissioner. George “Buddy” Sasser served as the second commissioner from 1989 until he was succeeded in 1996 by Kyle Kallander. JAMES COMPANION Assoc. Commissioner MARK SIMPSON DAWN TURNER Assoc. Commissioner Dir. of Public Relations CHAD COOK Director of Marketing NANCY PERKINS Office Manager NIC BOWMAN Assistant Director of Public Relations JANETTE SCHNEIDER BETH WAGGONER ANTHONY RIZZO Public Relations Compliance and Marketing Assistant Assistant Administration Assistant At A Glance Founded: 1983 Headquarters: Charlotte, NC Mailing Address: 7233 Pineville-Matthews Rd. Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28226 Phone: 704-341-7990 Fax: 704-341-7991 E-Mail: marks@bigsouth.org Commissioner: Kyle Kallander Associate Commissioner/Marketing: James Companion Assistant Commissioner/Compliance: Dawn Turner Director of Public Relations: Mark Simpson Assistant Director of Public Relations: Nic Bowman Assistant Director of Marketing/Championships: Chad Cook Coordinator of Media Services: Mark Bryant Office Manager: Nancy Perkins President: Dr. Anthony J. DiGiorgio, Winthrop Vice President: Gen. J.H. Binford Peay, Virginia Military Institute Secretary: Penelope Kyle, Radford 19 2008 Eagle Tennis Media Guide 2007 BIG SOUTH CONFERENCE HONORS Men 2007 All-Big South Singles Mauricio Engler Julien Antraygues Henry Mangin Martin Sayer James Lloyd Mehdi Benhammou Bastian Moldenhke Rodrigo Santos Women Team Birmingham-Southern High Point High Point Radford Radford Radford Winthrop Winthrop 2007 All-Big South Singles Casey Ragsdale Meryann Tazi Patricia Jaeger Hayley Rudman Jonita Randolph Ana Paula Novaes Antonija Bagaric Patricia Coimbra Team Birmingham-Southern Charleston Southern Charleston Southern Coastal Carolina Liberty Winthrop Winthrop Winthrop 2007 All-Big South Doubles Richard Redding/Plamen Tzvetkov Mehdi Benhammou/Patrick Metham Rob Nunnery/Mauricio Correa Rodrigo Santos/Germano Knorr Team Coastal Carolina Radford UNC Asheville Winthrop 2007 All-Big South Doubles Amy Pazahanick/Hayley Rudman A.C. Talus/Kelly Tolman Jonita Randolph/Martyna Hanusz Ana Paula Novaes/Paula Pereira Team Coastal Carolina High Point Liberty Winthrop 2007 Freshman of the Year Julien Antraygues High Point 2007 Freshman of the Year Antonija Bagaric Winthrop 2007 Player of the Year Martin Sayer Radford 2007 Player of the Year Jonita Randolph Liberty 2007 Coach of the Year Mike Anderson Radford 2007 Coach of the Year Mike Baker Charleston Southern 2007 All-Academic Team David Ray Babar Akbar Richard Redding Dave Perren Sebastian Pena Mehdi Benhammou Rob Nunnery Jorge Padilla Birmingham-Southern Charleston Southern Coastal Carolina High Point Liberty Radford UNC Asheville Winthrop 2007 All-Academic Team Stephanie Boucher Patricia Jaeger Hayley Rudman A.C. Talus Jonita Randolph Cassandra Price Rachel Rhoney Patricia Coimbra Birmingham-Southern Charleston Southern Coastal Carolina High Point Liberty Radford UNC Asheville Winthrop 2007 Scholar-Athlete of the Year Richard Redding Coastal Carolina 2007 Scholar-Athlete of the Year Cassandra Price Radford Past Men’s Champions Year 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Past Women’s Champions Year 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 20 Champion Coastal Carolina UNC Greensboro Charleston Southern Winthrop Charleston Southern Charleston Southern Charleston Southern Charleston Southern Charleston Southern High Point Winthrop Winthrop Winthrop Radford Runner-Up UNC Greensboro Charleston Southern Coastal Carolina Charleston Southern Winthrop Winthrop Elon Winthrop Winthrop Winthrop High Point Charleston Southern Radford Winthrop Champion Winthrop Winthrop Winthrop UNC Greensboro UMBC Winthrop Winthrop Coastal Carolina Winthrop Winthrop Winthrop Winthrop Winthrop Coastal Carolina Runner-Up Campbell Coastal Carolina UNC Greensboro Winthrop Charleston Southern Charleston Southern Coastal Carolina Charleston Southern Coastal Carolina Coastal Carolina Coastal Carolina Coastal Carolina Coastal Carolina Winthrop