Wingate’s Andrew Connolly named ITA Southeast Region Assistant Coach of the Year

STORY COURTESY OF WINGATE ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

Tempe, Ariz.----Wingate University assistant men's and women's tennis coach Andrew Connolly has been named the Southeast Region women's tennis Assistant Coach of the Year by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA). Connolly earns Assistant Coach of the Year accolades after wrapping up his first season on the Wingate coaching staff.

"Andrew was a vital part of our success this season," head coach Michael Cabana says. "He really connected to the program and the players. He was always wanting them to be successful on and off the court. I am proud of him for being recognized for his dedication and work ethic! He was a huge help to me and this program."

Connolly helped guide the Bulldogs to a pair of SAC titles in the 2021 season. Wingate went 16-2 on the year, going 11-0 in league play to capture its ninth regular season SAC title in the last 10 years. The Bulldogs went on to defeat #22 Queens 4-3 in the SAC title game to capture their second consecutive SAC Tournament championship.

Connolly helped Wingate continue its incredible stretch over the past decade. The Bulldogs earned their third straight NCAA Tournament bid and eighth of the last 10 seasons. Wingate has now won nine of the last 10 regular season conference titles, going 103-2 in league play during that span while adding six SAC Tournament championships.

Connolly helped the Bulldogs check in at #13 in the final ITA top 50 poll of the season. The only two setbacks on the season were a pair of losses against a Columbus State team that finished the year ranked sixth. Wingate piled up six victories over teams that ended up in the final ITA rankings.

Connolly also played a key role in the success of the Wingate men's team. The Bulldog men also went undefeated in league play, claiming the regular season SAC championship for the third consecutive season and ninth in the last 12 years.