The University of Akron Athletics
Padgett Receives Four-Year Contract Extension
August 10 | Women's Tennis
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AKRON, Ohio– University of Akron women's tennis head coach Brandon Padgett has accepted a four-year contract extension through 2020, Director of Athletics Larry Williams announced Wednesday.
"My family and I are extremely happy to be staying in Akron for at least another four years," Padgett said. "My hope is that I am able to finish my career here at The University of Akron. When you find a place that really fits you, it's a wonderful feeling, and that is what I have found here."
Newly appointed ITA Midwest Regional Chair, Padgett has guided Akron to a 98-55 mark in six seasons as head coach. In his first two years in the position, Padgett led the Zips to the Mid-American Conference Tournament championships and made NCAA Tournament appearances, both of which were firsts in program history. Padgett's 2012 squad also ranked as high as No. 57 in the national poll, which is the highest ranking in the history of the program.
In 2013, the UA doubles team of seniors Angelina Jogasuria and Prang Pantusart was selected to compete in the NCAA Doubles Championship, after the entire team advanced to the semifinal round of the MAC Tournament for the fourth-consecutive year and fourth time in program history. Jogasuria and Pantusart ranked 43rd nationally in the final Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) poll.
"Brandon is, above all else, a very effective teacher," Williams said. "He has done an outstanding job recruiting and guiding the remarkable young women of our program to notable levels of success. We are thrilled to be able to count on his continued leadership of Akron tennis."
Over the last six years, the team has placed 12 student-athletes on the All-MAC Team and performed off the court as well, with 13 Zips chosen as Academic All-MAC. The program earned the ITA's All-Academic Team Award in 2010-11, 2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15, and 2015-16 while also placing a total of 21 student-athletes on the ITA Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll since Padgett's first season.
In 2010-11, junior Zara Harutyunyan claimed a record third consecutive MAC Player of the Year award. Additionally, Olga Shkundina was selected as the 2012 MAC Freshman of the Year and the recipient of the 2015 Leann Grimes Davidge Sportsmanship Award. Sophomore Ariadna Blinova earned the 2016 MAC Player of the Year award after the team complied a 15-10 overall record and a No. 4 seed at the MAC tournament.
"We have many things still to accomplish as a team, and we are focused on achieving those goals," Padgett added. "Personally, I am most proud of the relationships that I have been able to develop with my student-athletes, as they become an integral part of The University of Akron Tennis Family. We aren't just a team; we are a true family. I am looking forward to the next chapter here at Akron, and know that it will be a successful one."
Akron opens the 2016-17 season on Sept. 16-17 at the Greater Cincinnati Collegiate Invitational, hosted by Northern Kentucky University. The tournament will be held Friday and Saturday September 16-17 with match times beginning at 8:30 am each day.
The Zips host their own Akron Shootout on Sept. 23-25 at the outdoor tennis facility on campus.
Players Mentioned
