Three USPTA Professionals Receive Recognition from ITA

HOUSTON – The Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) recognized three USPTA tennis-teaching professionals for their achievements during the 2014-15 collegiate tennis season.

USPTA Elite Professional Martin Parkes was named the Division II Men’s ITA Assistant Coach of the Year, Master Professional David T. Porter was named the Division II Women’s Wilson/ITA Coach of the Year, and Professional Mark Goldin was named the NAIA Women's Wilson Wilson/ITA Coach of the Year.

As the governing body of collegiate tennis, the ITA promotes both the athletic and academic achievements of varsity collegiate tennis players. Awards are given to both men and women, on the Regional and National levels to all Divisions represented within the ITA (NCAA Division I, II, III, NAIA, and Community and Junior Colleges).

Martin Parkes, the 2015 ITA Assistant Coach of the Year, flourished in his role as interim head coach at Saint Leo University in St. Leo, Fla., last season, helping the men's team to No. 4 in the ITA Division II National Team Rankings, its highest ranking in program history. 

Now back in his role as assistant, Parkes has helped significantly with player development and coached the team's rise from No. 14 at the beginning of the season to No. 5 in the current ITA Rankings and a 16-6 overall record. He also impacted the local community by participating in events to benefit John Isner's charity and organizing numerous events.

David T. Porter, the 2015 Wilson/ITA Coach of the Year, has consistently been at the top of Division II tennis and this year is no different. He has amassed over 1,200 career wins at BYU-Hawaii, including a 523-11 women's record since transitioning to Division II. Porter has led the team to 11 national championships, nine on the women's side alone. This season, he's coached his women's team to a 30-1 record and the No. 3 ranking in the nation. 
Porter's players have topped both the ITA National Singles and Doubles Rankings, with three singles players and two doubles teams currently ranked nationally. This is his fifth time winning the Wilson/ITA National Coach of the Year Award, having also won in 1995, 1997, 1999 and 2005.

Porter was inducted into the USTA Hawaii-Pacific Section Hall of Fame in November.  He has served as a USPTA Head Tester since 1988 and served on the National Board from 1994-2007, including a stint as USPTA President from 2003-2005. In addition, he has served as the chairman of the Education Committee and the chairman of the Testing and Certification Committee. He has also been a speaker at numerous USPTA divisional conventions and national conferences. His previous accolades include Hawaii Division Pro of the Year (2004, 1995), USPTA National Pro of the Year (2012), USPTA College Coach of the Year (2003, 2002), Hawaii Division Tester of the Year (1997, 1994), and Hawaii Division Hall of Fame Inductee (1985).

Mark Goldin, the 2015 Wilson/ITA Women's Coach of the Year, has taken the Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee women's tennis team to two conference championships in just two years of existence as a program. His team is the top-ranked NAIA team from their region in the national rankings, and they have posted a 20-2 record this season, including a 2-0 mark against Division I competition. Off the court, Goldin's players volunteer many hours around the community, including with the Special Olympics National Bowling Event, and also by teaching tennis to underprivileged children around the community.

Division II Men’s ITA Assistant Coach of the Year
USPTA Elite Professional Martin Parkes, Saint Leo University

Division II Women’s Wilson/ITA Coach of the Year
USPTA Master Professional David T. Porter, Brigham Young University-Hawaii 

NAIA Women's Wilson Wilson/ITA Coach of the Year
USPTA Professional Mark Goldin, Cardinal Stritch University 

For a full list of winners, visit www.itatennis.com.