ITA Rookie of the Year Award
Murphy Cassone from Arizona State University has been named the 2022 ITA Rookie of the Year Award Winner.
The freshman from Overland Park, Kansas shined in his first season with the Sun Devils, finishing unbeaten in Pac-12 play from Arizona State's No. 1 position.
Named the Pac-12 Freshman of the Year, Cassone also earned First Team All Pac-12 honors as well as an invitation to the NCAA Singles Championship this past May.
Across all competition, Cassone finished his freshman campaign with a 15-5 singles record, including four wins over top-ten opponents, while winning 13 of his final 15 matches.
A Letter From Head Coach: Matt Hill
Murphy,
What a fun first year and amazing honor to be named ITA National Rookie of the Year! Every year there are so many players that come into the U.S. Collegiate System to further their development in our sport. From former top-10 juniors on the ITF World Junior circuit to current ATP players ranked top-500 in the world on the ATP men’s circuit, some of the very best 18 to 20 year old players have played in the U.S., and you’re no exception! This year you’ve done an amazing job separating yourself from this group of players coming into the US college system.
Playing #1 on a high caliber team and being incredibly successful is no easy feat. Being undefeated in such a prestigious conference as the Pac-12 is not common at all, and earning dean’s list honors in the class room by studying at WP Carey Business School, one of the top business schools in the country, comes with its own set of challenges. It’s truly a credit to your character, day-to-day work ethic, and internal drive. I know you have huge goals in our sport and this is another stepping stone towards them. This truly is an incredible honor. Soak it in my young friend and enjoy it because this is just the beginning.
Lastly, this of course would never be possible without the incredible support of Arizona State Athletics in Ray Anderson and his leadership team. The amount of support and desire to elevate tennis here at Arizona State is unmatched. We are truly blessed to have a leadership team that puts so much importance and attention into all our Olympic sports here at ASU, specifically tennis. These opportunities you’ve been given come at the sacrifices of so many here, and there isn’t a doubt in my mind that Arizona State was the best choice you could of made to meet your goals in the sport we all love. Enjoy your summer tour on the ATP and excited for the journey ahead. Go Devils!