May 14, 2008

Skillman, N.J. - Just days after being announced as the Intercollegiate Tennis Association's Great Lakes Regional Women's Coach of the Year, John Black has added the ITA's National Women's Coach of the Year award to his resume. Black, Grand Valley State University's men's and women's head tennis coach, led the women's team to a record season this year, taking them to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Black took the Lakers to a 27-6 overall record this year, setting a school record for wins in a season. The team was 8-1 in conference play, with its only loss coming to perennial GLIAC champion Northwood University. GVSU also achieved its first-ever ITA national ranking and ended the year ranked No. 24. The Lakers qualified for their sixth-straight trip to the Division II national tournament, where they advanced to the second round for the fourth straight year.