Martinez Named ITA East Regional Coach of the Year; Men's and Women's Tennis earn Regional Community Service Awards

LEBANON, Tenn.--Cumberland Head Women's Tennis Coach Karen Martinez has been named the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) East Regional Coach of the Year, announced by the organization this week. In addition to the coaching honor, both the men's and women's tennis teams were recognized with the ITA East Region Community Service Award for their outstanding contributions off the court.

Martinez earns the ITA East Regional Coach of the Year honor in what is her final season at the helm of the women's program. She led the Phoenix to a remarkable turnaround campaign, finishing the regular season with a 10-8 overall record and 4-2 mark in Mid-South Conference play, earning the No. 3 seed in the conference tournament. The Phoenix bounced back in a big way from a 3-18 season a year ago, with Martinez's leadership playing a key role in the team's success.

Earlier this season, Martinez was named the Mid-South Conference Women's Tennis Coach of the Year for the first time in her career, becoming the first Cumberland coach to win the award since Bill McCormick in 2012-13. She previously earned the Mid-South Conference Men's Tennis Coach of the Year honor in 2017-18.

In addition to success on the court, both Phoenix tennis programs were honored for their efforts in the community, claiming the ITA East Region Community Service Award. The award is given annually to programs that go above and beyond in serving their local communities. Cumberland student-athletes have consistently demonstrated a commitment to making a positive impact off the court through various service initiatives and volunteer efforts. The men's team earns the award for the fifth-consecutive year.

Cumberland Men's Tennis is in action this afternoon at the NAIA National Championships taking on 21-seed Huntington in the first round.

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