ITA Most Improved Sophomore Award honors a sophomore who showed the most improvement over the course of their collegiate career.
Matthew has improved drastically from his freshmen year. This year he has an overall singles record of 21-6 at line #1 singles. He has notable wins over #5 Tomi Reche, #23 Chris Lawrence, #33 Heimanarii Lai San; two wins against #34 Joseph Tanjuatco, #36 Santiago Castellanos Donoso, #39 Gaspar Media, Three wins against #40 Sergio Garcia, Two Wins against #41 Kwanda-Kwanele Mbalekwa, and two wins against #42 Willie Seth Macute.
All these are at line 1 Singles and all of Matt's losses are in third-set tiebreakers except against #9 Lamar Bartley where he lost 2-6, 4-6. He has a notable doubles win against #19 Tristian Du Plessis/Eli Hagan. Matt has also grown into his role as our team's vocal leader. He leads by example always but has come out of his comfort zone and grown to be vocal in a way that makes him an even better leader this past sophomore season. He gets along great with everyone he meets on and off the court.
A note from MCC Men's Tennis Head Coach, TJ Carter
Matt,
Being your coach, this past tennis season has truly been an honor. Your coachability, humility, confidence, commitment, resiliency, personality, and fun spirit have made you a true joy to be around on and off the court. I want to congratulate you on being named the ITA Most Improved Sophomore. I don’t believe there is another player more deserving of this award. Your hard work on the court has shown in your results throughout the season.
Your singles record of 22-7 this past season with 16 of those wins coming against ITA Nationally ranked opponents; three ranked in the top 15 and one player ranked in the top 10, is a special season for all to remember. I am most excited because your best tennis is still in front of you. I know you will carry over the many attributes I stated you possess above to Southern Arkansas University, your teammates there, and Coach Greg Owen. I am filled with excitement to think of the great things you are still yet to accomplish on and off the court. I look forward to our continued relationship and hearing of the successes you are achieving.
Congratulations!