Men's Tennis Takes Home Multiple AAC Awards

WALESKA, Ga.- The Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) announced the end-of-the-year awards for men's tennis on Thursday. Tennessee Wesleyan had multiple award winners, including the Player of the Year and the Coach of the Year.

Octavio Volpi was named the Player of the Year for the second year in a row. Playing in the No. 1 spot, Volpi had a 6-2 overall record and a 5-1 record in the AAC. In doubles, Volpi was 1-0 in the No. 1 spot and 8-1 in the No. 2 spot overall. Five of the wins in doubles came during conference play.

Joining Volpi on the All-AAC First Team was Patricio Gallegos, Juan Carlos Garcia, and David Leon.

Agustin GaiA, Asier Pascual, Zoilo Rios, and Maceo Simpson were named to the All-AAC Second Team.

Two members of the Bulldogs were named to the All-Freshman Team. Rocco Mariani and Chanon Phunsawat took home those honors.

The team's representative to the Champions of Character Team was David Leon. To be named to the Champions of Character Team, a player must exhibit the NAIA's Five Core Values of Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Sportsmanship, and Servant Leadership. 

TWU had eight student-athletes earn a spot on the AAC All-Academic Team, the second-most in the conference. Jose Andrade, Agustin Gaiam Patricio Gallegos, Juan Carlos Garcia, David Leon, Asier Pascual, Zoilo Rios, and Octavio Volpi all earned a spot on the AAC All-Academic Team. To be selected to the All-Academic Team, a student-athlete must be a sophomore in academic standing and maintain a 3.25 grade-point average.

Head coach Francisco Gallardo was named the Coach of the Year after guiding the team to a perfect 8-0 AAC record. This was the fifth consecutive season Gallardo won the award.