ITA Senior Player of the Year
Oscar Gabriel Ortiz from Tennessee Wesleyan University has been named the 2023 ITA Senior Player of the Year.
During the past season, Ortiz was ranked as high as the No. 1 player in the NAIA. He was undefeated during the spring, posting wins versus top teams in the NAIA. Ortiz is a two-time NAIA/ITA All American, three-time AAC Player of the year, AAC Freshman of the year and this year, was elected as the Male Player of the Year for Tennessee Wesleyan University along with being the AAC Player of the Year.
Ortiz reached the final at the ITA South Region this year and reached the final at the ITA Cup in Rome, GA. Mainly playing at the No. 1 singles position for the past three year, his combined record was 40-6. Ortiz has also performed over 30 hours of community service each year at Tennessee Wesleyan by helping in clinics for the community and helping to organize fundraising tournaments.
A Letter From Head Coach Pancho Gallardo
Oscar,
Congratulations on being named the 2023 ITA Senior Male Player of the Year. It's crazy to think that 3 years of coaching you as a part of the Tennessee Wesleyan tennis program have already passed by. We have shared so many hours on court practicing, competing, and talking about tennis and life. We have had so many good and challenging moments.
There is no doubt that these 3 years were worth it. Tennessee Wesleyan University is one of the best programs in the nation right now, and you have played an important role in that accomplishment. Your record on court speaks for itself. I have no doubt that the program helped you as much as you helped it. I am sure that all your experiences with the program these 3 years have prepared you for the future by giving you the values and tools necessary to face the next chapter in life.
As a Bulldog you were pushed and challenged. I appreciate the opportunity to coach you and to mentor you. I also appreciate your loyalty while playing for me and Tennessee Wesleyan for the past 3 years.
Tennessee Wesleyan will always be your home.
Sincerely, Pancho Gallardo