May 18, 2007
WEST POINT, N.Y. - Paul Peck, who has built the Army women's tennis program into a dominant force the past 12 years, was recently honored by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association with his selection as the ITA/Wilson East Region "Coach of the Year". As one of eight selections for regional coaching honors, Peck is eligible for national coach of the year, which will be announced at the NCAA Championships on May 22 in Athens, Ga.
Peck led Army to its seventh NCAA Tournament appearance in the last nine years after capturing the Patriot League title and automatic bid for the third consecutive season. Army drew No. 14 Fresno State in the opening round of the 2007 Division I Tournament over the weekend, where it fell 4-0.
The Army mentor, who eclipsed the 200-win plateau in the spring, has captured 28 consecutive regular-season conference matches and eight tournament crowns. It is the fifth straight year the Peck's netters went unbeaten in league play.
With just three upperclassmen on the squad, Peck faced a tough challenge to repeat as league champions. After starting the season with a 0-5 mark, the Black Knights followed with a 15-6 run, including an unbeaten mark in conference play (5-0). It also marked the 10th consecutive season that Peck led the team to 15 or more victories.
Peck repeated as the Patriot League "Coach of the Year" for the third straight year and eighth overall. His selection for East Region coaching honors is the first in his career. The Black Knights' mentor has put Army on the map as one of the top women's tennis programs in the Northeast.
"I am humbled by this honor, but this award is really a testament to the commitment of my players," said Peck. "Any personal recognition is really recognition for the team. We were all able to benefit from their hard work and perseverance."
Also selected for ITA regional coaching honors were Geoff Macdonald (Vanderbilt), Southeast; Jennifer Hyde (Florida State), South; Malik Tabet (Indiana State), Midwest; Chris Young (Wichita State), Central; Tony Minnis (Louisiana State), Southwest; Jan Brogan (California), Northwest; Mike Edles (California-Irvine), West.
