Tom Simpson Named USPTA Coach of the Year

HARTSVILLE, S.C. – Coker College men's and women's tennis coach Tom Simpson has been named coach of the year by the United States Professional Tennis Association Southern Division.

"To be selected coach of the year is an amazing honor," Simpson said. "It's been an absolute pleasure to coach college tennis, and to see some success is incredible. I've been very fortunate to have a wonderful athletic director who supports me, and my two teams have been nothing short of fantastic since I arrived. I am very grateful an appreciative of this award from the USPTA."

Simpson, in his second season at Coker, has led the men's team to a 16-4 overall record with a perfect 10-0 mark in Conference Carolinas play. The Cobras won the regular-season conference title and enter postseason play Friday as the No. 1 seed.

The Cobras are led by junior James Corfield (16-3) and freshmen Andre Staab (15-5), William Marrafao (14-5), Martin Moncayo (14-4) and Tom Sizeland (14-5).

The women's team finished the regular season 7-13 overall and 4-7 in the conference. It is led by freshman Daniela Chipe, who holds a record of 11-9. The Cobras are the No. 8 seed heading into the conference tournament.

Simpson will receive his award during a luncheon Saturday, May 18 at The Club at Dunes West in Mt. Pleasant, S.C.

About USPTA

Founded in 1927, USPTA is the world's oldest and largest association of tennis-teaching professionals. With more than 15,000 members worldwide, USPTA offers more than 60 professional benefits to its members, including certification and extensive educational opportunities. The purpose of USPTA is to elevate the standards of tennis-teaching professionals and coaches.

For more information, contact Chris Dougherty, manager of athletics media relations, at 843-383-8018 or cdougherty@coker.edu.

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Coker College readies undergraduates for personal and professional success through a distinctive four-year program that emphasizes a practical application of the liberal arts as well as hands-on and discussion-based learning within and beyond the classroom. Coker is ranked among the "Best Colleges" in the South by U.S. News & World Report as well as The Princeton Review. Located in Hartsville, S.C., Coker is within two hours of the cultural, financial and recreational resources of Charlotte, Columbia, Charleston and Myrtle Beach.