Tyler, TX - On the eve of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Tennis National Tournament, Tyler Junior College played host to the National Tournament banquet.  With the twenty-four participating teams in attendance, the NJCAA officials presented the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) annual individual awards. Two Manatees were bestowed honors by the ITA.

Maria Media was named as the ITA "Rookie of the Year". Medina won the Region 8 and Florida College System Activities Association (FCSAA) State championship by beating the #1 player in the nation.  Following the victory and heading in to the national tournament, Medina has been ranked as the top player in the nation. 

Iulia Sergheeva won the Fall ITA Regional Tournament, finished as regional runner up at the NJCAA Region 8/FCSAA State Championship, and paired up with Maria Medina to win the #1 doubles draw at the same event.  For these accolades, Sergheeva was honored by the ITA as the "Player to Watch". 

The NJCAA tournament begins Sunday May 8.  Both Medina and Sergheeva have been awarded seeded positions and will have first round byes.  Monday they will each play a singles and doubles match to begin their pursuit of a national championship.