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INTRODUCTION Quick Facts...... 1 This is Red Wolves Tennis ...... 2 Tennis Facilities ...... 4 2009 Outlook...... 5 Head Coach Marcia Williams...... 6 Assistant Coach Marina Engelbrecht...... 7 2009 Roster...... 8 2009 Schedule...... 8 Player Bios...... 9 Paula Chelminska ...... 9 Roné van Wyk ...... 10 Jenny Herring...... 11 Menna Kamal ...... 12 Emily Laing ...... 13 Tina Ojdanic ...... 14 Leydi Zora...... 15 Elné Barnard ...... 16 All-Time Letterwinners...... 17 Year-by-Year Results ...... 17 2008 Results...... 18 2008 Statistics ...... 19 GENERAL IMPORTANT NUMBERS Welcome to ASU ...... 20 Location ...... Jonesboro, Arkansas (60,489) ASU Dept. of Athletics . . . . . 870-972-3880 Student Life at ASU ...... 27 Nickname ...... Red Wolves ASU Tennis Office...... 870-972-2795 Athletics at ASU ...... 28 Enrollment...... 11,490 ASU Sports Information. . . . 870-972-2541 Athletic Facilities...... 30 Colors ...... Scarlet & Black Sun Belt Conference ...... 501-299-9066 Academics at ASU ...... 32 Founded ...... 1909 Sun Belt Fax ...... 501-299-9068 ASU Administration...... 33 Home Courts ....ASU Tennis Center (2010), ASU Chancellor Dr. Robert L. Potts ...... 34 ASU Tennis Courts, Ridgepoint Country SPORTS INFORMATION ASU Dir. of Athletics Dr. Dean Lee...... 35 Club, Three Oaks Raquet Club, Jonesboro SID Main Phone Number...... 870-972-2541 Athletic Staff...... 36 Country Club, Allen Park Fax...... 870-972-3367 Jonesboro ...... 38 Affiliation...... NCAA Divsion I Asst. AD / Sports Info. Dir. . . . . Jerry Scott Sun Belt Conference...... 40 Conference...... Sun Belt Office ...... 870-972-3405 President ...... Dr. Les Wyatt Cell ...... 870-243-6021 CREDITS Chancellor...... Dr. Robert Potts E-mail Address ...... [email protected] The 2009 Arkansas State women’s tennis Director of Athletics...... Dr. Dean Lee Tennis SID ...... Katey Buckley media guide has been compiled for use by Athletic Dept. Phone ...... 870-972-3880 Office...... 870-972-2541 the media, prospective students and fans. Athletic Web Site...... astateredwolves.com Cell ...... 870-838-5967 It is a publication of the ASU Sports Infor- E-mail: . . [email protected] mation Office. HISTORY Assistant SID ...... Van Provence First year of tennis...... 1976 Office ...... 870-972-2707 PHOTOGRAPHY All-Time Record ...... 324-241-2 Cell ...... 870-897-5010 Nelson Chenault, Terry Bill, Richard Winning Seasons ...... 21 E-mail Address . . [email protected] Bishop (Bishop Photography), Hannah Assistant SID ...... Anthony Reynolds Dolle, David Stout, Rodney Freeman, 2009 TEAM INFORMATION Office ...... 870-972-3547 David Minton, Jonesboro Sun, Tom 2008 Record...... 13-10 Cell ...... 870-530-4454 Moore, Van Provence, Ernie Rice, Sun Belt SBC Tournament Seed/Record . . No. 7/1-1 E-mail Address . . [email protected] Conference. Letterwinner Returning/Lost ...... 6/2 Mailing Address: Newcomers...... 2 P.O. Box 1000, State University, AR 72467 COVER DESIGN Overnight Address: ASU Creative Services Department. COACHING STAFF 217 Olympic Drive, Jonesboro, AR 72401 FRONT: Senior Paula Chelminska, junior Head Coach ...... Marcia Williams Rone’ van Wyk, sophomore Jenny Herring. Alma Mater...... Arkansas State ‘80 Record at ASU ...... 308-214 (28 years) PRINTING Career Record...... Same Arkansas State University Press. Asst. Coach. . Marina Engelbrecht (3 years) Alma Mater...... Arkansas State ‘06

2009 ARKANSAS STATE TENNIS MEDIA GUIDE 1 astateredwolves.com This is Red Wolves Tennis

2009 ARKANSAS STATE TENNIS MEDIA GUIDE 2 astateredwolves.com This is Red Wolves Tennis

Life with Arkansas State tennis is fun, exciting and character building. Friend- ships are built and cultures shared among the Red Wolves tennis team. And, when it’s time to hit the court, it’s all about serious competition and good sportsman- ship.

2009 ARKANSAS STATE TENNIS MEDIA GUIDE 3 astateredwolves.com Tennis Facilities

The Arkansas State women’s tennis team will have a new home for the 2010 season as construction on a new tennis facility is underway.

The facility will include six courts and is located off Caraway Road just behind the ASU Track and Field Complex.

In addition to serving as a new home for the Red Wolves tennis team, it will also be utilized by Arkansas State University’s Health, Physical Education and Sports Sciences (HPESS) Department for classes.

The city of Jonesboro has the new Allen Park Courts, currently utilized by the Red Wolves for its home matches when weather permits.

In inclement weather, the Jonesboro Country Club, Three Oaks Racquet Club and RidgePointe Country Club graciously offer their indoor facilities for play.

ASU Tennis Team at future site of ASU Tennis Center.

Allen Park Tennis Courts

2009 ARKANSAS STATE TENNIS MEDIA GUIDE 4 astateredwolves.com 2009 Outlook

In her 29th year as the ASU No. 5 and No. 6. Zora chalked up a 15-10 singles record women’s tennis head coach, at No. 4, No. 5 and No. 6 as well. She also finished with Marcia Williams is pushing her 11 doubles victories with three different partners. Oj- 2009 team to be the best yet. danic did not compete last season. With six returning players and only one returning senior, the NEWCOMERS Red Wolves will take on the challenges of a new team and a ASU added two players to its roster after the departure tough schedule. of seniors Renee Branker and Maria Oprea. Jenny Herring joins the Red Wolves “We are looking forward to team as a sophomore from the season, but we need to Copenhagen, Denmark. be ready from the start," She was ranked No. 13 said Williams. "It is not nationally during her going to be easy, but we senior year of high planned a hard schedule school. Elne’ Barnard to get ready for our con- also signed on with the ference tournament." Arkansas State team as a freshman from Port-Eliza- The Red Wolves finished 13-10 beth, South Africa. Barnard won overall in 2008 for their third con- the doubles cup at the 2007 Amanda Coet- secutive winning season and 20th zer High School South African Tourna- winning record under Williams. The ment. team finished .500 at home and posted a winning-record on the road (7-5). SCHEDULE Arkansas State will be looking to this new team to build on the success of last The Red Wolves will face two preseason season. nationally ranked opponents, one preseason nationally ranked doubles team RETURNING PLAYERS and a preseason ranked individual player in 2009. Coach Williams said she wants Three-year letterwinner, Paula Chelmin- her team to play a tough schedule in ska is returning as the only ASU senior for order to be prepared to take on tough the 2009 season. She finished 15-7 at No. 2 competitors in the Sun Belt Conference in singles play during 2008 and 15-4 at No. 2 Tournament. in doubles play with former ASU player Maria Oprea. Arkansas State has match-ups planned with six SBC teams and 14 non-confer- Rone van Wyk, two-time letterwinner, is re- ence schools. The team will spend most turning as the only junior in the Red Wolves of the start of their season on the road lineup. She finished the 2008 season 20- and finish with eight of their last nine 13 overall in singles competition and matches in Jonesboro before traveling to posted an 8-3 mark at the No. 3 position Denton, Texas for the SBC Tournament with teammate Leydi Zora. in April.

Arkansas State will have four players returning as sophomores including Menna Kamal, Emily Laing, Tina Ojdanic and Leydi Zora. Kamal finished the past season with a 6-10 overall record, competing mainly at No. 4 and No. 6. Laing finished Paula Chelminsaka, Sr. 5-11 overall in singles, playing at No. 4,

2009 ARKANSAS STATE TENNIS MEDIA GUIDE 5 astateredwolves.com Head Coach Marcia Williams

Marcia Williams, now in her 29th year as Arkansas State’s head women’s tennis coach, surpassed 300 career victories last year and has led the Red Wolves to 20 winning seasons since 1981.

Williams was a decorated member of the ASU women’s tennis team and one of the top players in the state from 1976 to 1980, but she now spends her time teaching others how to play the game. And, they play the game well.

Williams has used her knowledge and expertise for the game of tennis and contin- ually breathes new life into the Red Wolves’ program each year. The 2009 squad should be no exception.

A native of Jonesboro, Williams enters the 2009 season with a career record of 308- 214 for a .590 winning percentage. She also has Marina Engelbrect, one of ASU’s most decorated tennis players, on as assistant for the third consecutive season.

A 1980 gradu ate of Arkan sas State, Will iams took over the women’s tennis program that same year and coached her team to a second-place finish in the Arkan sas Wom- en’s Inter col le giate Sports Asso ci a tion (AWISA) with an 8-5 record. The follow ing season, her team won the AWISA championship with a 12-3 mark.

Her commitment to good work in the classroom also pays dividends as the Red Wolves team has been selected as an ITA All-Academic Team each year since 1999. In fact, in 2005, her entire squad received individual ITA academic honors. William’s Year-by-Year Record at Arkansas State In addition, the women’s team is almost always at 100 percent for the Athlet ic Di- rec tor’s Honor Roll. 2008: 13-10 (7th in Sun Belt Conference) 2007: 9-8 (7th in Sun Belt Conference) Marcia is married to Bob Williams, a former ASU men’s tennis coach and assistant 2006: 12-9 (8th in Sun Belt Conference) track and field coach who was an outstand ing decathlete. 2005: 6-11 (10th in Sun Belt Conference) 2004: 6-8 (9th in Sun Belt Conference) Bob was induct ed into ASU’s Hall of Honor in 1987 and Marcia joined him as a 1993 2003: 11-11 (8th in Sun Belt Conference) induct ee. She earned degrees in both ele men ta ry edu ca tion and business adminis- 2002: 16-8 (4th in Sun Belt Conference) tration while at ASU. 2001: 7-15 (8th in Sun Belt Conference) 2000: 17-4 (3rd in Sun Belt Conference) They have two children—son Matt (21) and daughter, Kara (16). 1999: 13-8 (3rd in Sun Belt Conference) 1998: 13-7 (3rd in Sun Belt Conference) 1997: 12-5 (2nd in Sun Belt Conference) 1996: 16-6 (2nd in Sun Belt Conference) 1995: 16-1 (3rd in Sun Belt Conference) 1994: 11-7 (4th in Sun Belt Conference) 1993: 19-7 (4th in Sun Belt Conference) 1992: 17-9 (5th in Sun Belt Conference) 1991: 11-3 (2nd in American South Conf.) 1990: 9-5 (3rd in American South Conf.) 1989: 5-12 (5th in American South Conf.) 1988: 8-14 (T3rd in American South Conf.) 1987: 10-8 (4th in Southland Conference) 1986: 11-7 (5th in Southland Conference) 1985: 11-6 (3rd in Southland Conference) 1984: 6-10 (6th in Southland Conference) 1983: 3-7 (4th in Southland Conference) 1982: 12-3 (AWISA Champions) 1981: 8-5 (2nd in AWISA)

Totals: 308-214 (.590 winning percentage)

The Williams Family: Bob, Marcia, Matt and Kara.

2009 ARKANSAS STATE TENNIS MEDIA GUIDE 6 astateredwolves.com Assistant Coach Marina Engelbrecht

Marina Engelbrecht is in her third season as an assistant coach with the women's tennis program.

She was one of the most decorated and successful players at No. 1 singles for Arkansas State for three seasons after playing No. 2 her freshman year.

At No. 1, Engelbrecht posted an overall mark of 37-9. A two-time All- Sun Belt Conference performer, she was also successful as one-half of ASU's No. 1 doubles pair throughout her career.

Engelbrecht graduated from ASU in 2006 with a degree in exercise science. While a student, she was a member of the Athletic Director's Honor Roll every semester and was also a four-time member of the ITA All-Academic team and Scholar-Athlete list.

During the spring of 2006, Engelbrecht received the prestigious Terry Gwin Award, the highest award an ASU student-athlete may receive.

Engelbrecht received her master’s in exercise science last August and is also the director of ASU Student Union Fitness Center.

The daughter of Callie and Johanna Engelbrecht, Marina was born July 27, 1984 in Bloemfontein, South Africa, where she was a standout tennis player at Eunice High School.

Engelbrecht as a player at ASU. Head coach Marcia Williams and assistant coach Marina Engelbrecht with senior Paula Chelminska.

2009 ARKANSAS STATE TENNIS MEDIA GUIDE 7 astateredwolves.com Roster and Schedule

2009 ARKANSAS STATE ROSTER

Name Ht. Year Exp. Hometown (Previous School) Elné Barnard 5-5 Fr. HS Port Elizabeth, South Africa (Hoërskool Stellenbosch) Paula Chelminska 5-10 Sr. 3L Poznan, Poland (Jan Kanty Third) Jenny Herring 5-9 So. TR Copenhagen, Denmark (Falkoner Gaarder Gymnasium) Menna Kamal 5-8 So. 1L Cairo, Egypt (American Manor House) Emily Laing 5-11 So. 1L Christchurch, New Zealand (Rangi Ruru Girls School) Tina Ojdanic 5-9 So. HS Jonkoping, Sweden (Katedralskolan) Roné van Wyk 5-7 Jr. 2L Ventersburg, South Africa (C&N Sekondere Meisieskool Oranje) Leydi Zora 5-2 So. 1L Barraucabermeja, Colombia (Luis Lopez de Mesa)

Head Coach: Marcia Williams (29th season) Assistant Coach: Marina Engelbrecht (3rd season)

2009 ARKANSAS STATE SCHEDULE

Date Opponent Site Time Sept. 5-7 ...... at St. Louis Billiken Classic ...... St. Louis, Mo...... All Day Sept. 26-28 ...... at Kansas Jayhawk Invitational ...... Lawrence, Kan...... All Day Oct. 10-12 ...... at Ole Miss Invitational ...... Oxford, Miss...... All Day Oct. 31-Nov. 1 ...... at ULM Invitational ...... Monroe, La...... All Day Fri., Jan. 23 . . . . .UT Arlington ...... Jonesboro, Ark...... 9:00 a.m. Sat., Feb. 7 ...... at Tulsa ...... Tulsa, Okla...... 8:30 a.m. Sun., Feb. 8 ...... at Oral Roberts ...... Tulsa, Okla...... Noon Sat., Feb. 14 ...... at Middle Tennessee* ...... Murfreesboro, Tenn...... 11:00 a.m. Sun., Feb. 15 ...... at Tennessee Tech ...... Cookeville, Tenn...... 10:00 a.m. Sun., Feb. 22 ...... at Southern Illinois ...... Carbondale, Ill...... 9:30 a.m. Wed., Feb. 25 ...... at Mississippi ...... Oxford, Miss...... 2:00 p.m. Sat., Mar. 7 ...... at New Orleans* ...... New Orleans, La...... 11:00 a.m. Sun., Mar. 8 ...... at Louisiana-Lafayette* ...... Lafayette, La...... 10:00 a.m. Mon., Mar. 9 ...... at McNeese State ...... Lake Charles, La...... 10:00 a.m. Fri., Mar. 13 . . . . .Louisiana-Monroe* ...... Jonesboro, Ark...... 9:00 a.m. Fri., Mar. 13 . . . . .Louisiana Tech ...... Jonesboro, Ark...... 2:00 p.m. Sat., Mar. 14 . . . . .Southeast Missouri State ...... Jonesboro, Ark...... 2:00 p.m. Sun., Mar. 15 . . . .UTEP ...... Jonesboro, Ark...... 9:00 a.m. Fri., Mar. 20 . . . . .UAB ...... Jonesboro, Ark...... 11:00 a.m. Sat., Mar. 21 . . . . .UALR* ...... Jonesboro, Ark...... 1:00 p.m. Sun., Apr. 5 . . . . .Troy* ...... Jonesboro, Ark...... 10:00 a.m. Tue., Apr. 9 ...... at Memphis ...... Memphis, Tenn...... 3:00 p.m. Fri., Apr. 10 . . . . .St. Louis ...... Jonesboro, Ark...... 3:30 p.m. Apr. 17-19 ...... at Sun Belt Conference Tournament . . . . .Denton, Texas ...... All Day All Times Central *Sun Belt Conference Match

2009 ARKANSAS STATE TENNIS MEDIA GUIDE 8 astateredwolves.com Player Profiles Paula Chelminska

5-10 Senior 3L Poznan, Poland (Jan Kanty Third) 2008: Played at No. 2 and chalked up a record of 15-7 at that spot . . . Played doubles with Maria Oprea at No. 2 . . . Finished with a 19-13 overall record in singles play . . . 19 victories were the fourth most on the team . . . Finished doubles with a record of 15-4 at the No. 2 position and 19-9 overall.

2007: Played primarily at No. 4 singles . . . Finished with a 5-2 record at that spot . . . Also played once at No. 1, twice at No. 2 and five times at No. 3 . . . Finished with a 3-2 record at No. 3 and 9-6 overall in singles play . . . Played with Zeljka Minic at No. 1 doubles with a 1-4 mark.

2006: Played primarily at No. 2 singles, but also played eight matches at No. 4 singles . . . Posted a record of 2-8 at No. 2 and finished 4-4 at No. 4 . . . Played at No. 1 doubles with partner Marina Engelbrecht . . . The two chalked up a record of 11- 5.

HIGH SCHOOL: Third in Poland in the Polish Championship for Under-18.

PERSONAL: Born Nov. 18, 1986 in Poznan . . . Enjoys traveling , photography, music and reading . . . Parents are Daniela and Andrzej Chelminscy . . . Name is pronounced hell-MEN-Skuh.

CHELMINSKA’S RECORD

SINGLES No. 1 No. 2 No.3 No. 4 No. 5 No. 6 Totals 2008 - 15-7 - - - - 15-7 2007 0-1 1-1 3-2 5-2 - - 9-6 2006 - 2-8 - 4-4 - - 6-12 Career 0-1 18-16 3-2 9-6 - - 30-25

DOUBLES No. 1 No. 2 No.3 Totals 2008 - 15-4 - 15-4 2007 1-4 - - 1-4 2006 11-5 - - 11-5 Career 12-9 15-4 - 27-13

2009 ARKANSAS STATE TENNIS MEDIA GUIDE 9 astateredwolves.com Player Profiles Roné van Wyk

5-7 Junior 2L Ventersburg, South Africa (C&N Sekondere Meisieskool Oranje)

2008: Played 22 times at No. 3 and finished 12-10 at that spot . . . Com- peted in doubles play with Renee Branker at No. 1 and Leydi Zora at No. 3 . . . Completed the season with an overall record of 20-13 . . . 20 victories tied the second most on the team . . . Finished 8-3 at No. 3, 3-7 at N0. 1 and 15-16 overall . . . Won the White Draw consolation singles bracket at the Ole Miss Invitational . . . Claimed third place in the Chipotle Singles Flight at the Rice Classic.

2007: Played mostly at No. 3 singles, finishing with 6-4 record . . . Also had 3-0 mark at No. 4 and 1-1 record at No. 2 . . . Excelled with former teammate Ashlesha Lokhande at No. 3 doubles with 11-4 record.

High School: Ranked eighth in South Africa in Girls’ 18’s at C&N Sekondere Meisieskool Oranje . . . Played tennis for five years and was the Southern Free State No. 1 player during that span . . . Was also the Free State No. 1 player in 2001 . . . A member of the Nike Junior Tour Sun City in 2001, van Wyk was ranked eighth in the 5A rankings in 2001, 10th in 2002, sixth in 2003, and 10th in 2004 . . . Her most recent ranking in 5A is eighth and is a silver medal winner for the 2005 5A games . . . Won a gold medal for 5A under 14 and under 18 . . . Served as her team’s captain in 2005 . . . Also played hockey and netball in high school.

Personal: Born Jan. 4, 1987 in Kroonstad, South Africa . . . Majoring in exercise science . . . Won silver medal for academics in high school . . . Also recruited by North Texas . . . Daughter of Herman and Sandra Van Wyk . . . Pronounced Roo-nay Fun-Vake.

VAN WYK’S RECORD

SINGLES No. 1 No. 2 No.3 No. 4 No. 5 No. 6 Totals 2008 - - 12-10 - - - 12-10 2007 - 1-1 6-4 3-0 - - 10-5 Career - 1-1 18-14 3-0 - - 22-15

DOUBLES No. 1 No. 2 No.3 Totals 2008 3-7 - 8-3 11-10 2007 - - 11-4 11-4 Career 3-7 - 19-7 22-14

2009 ARKANSAS STATE TENNIS MEDIA GUIDE 10 astateredwolves.com Player Profiles Jenny Herring

5-9 Sophomore TR Copenhagen, Denmark (Martin Methodist College) MARTIN METHODIST COLLEGE: Named Martin Methodist College Player of the Year . . . Named 2007-08 Tran- South Athletic Conference Player of the Year . . . 2007-08 All-TranSouth Athletic Confer- ence selection . . . Finished the 2008 season with an overall record of 18-2 with the Red- Hawks . . . 2007 singles champion at the University of North Alabama Clay Court Invita- tional.

HIGH SCHOOL: Ranked No. 4 in Under-16 competition in Denmark . . . Ranked No. 13 in senior’s competition in Denmark as well.

PERSONAL: Born March 10, 1988 . . . Daughter of Hanne and Gustavo Herring.

2009 ARKANSAS STATE TENNIS MEDIA GUIDE 11 astateredwolves.com Player Profiles Menna Kamal

5-8 Sophomore 1L Cairo, Egypt (American Manor House) 2008: Played primarily at No. 4 singles with a 2-5 record in that spot . . . Also played at No. 6, recording a 2-2 record while chalking up a 6-10 overall mark in singles play . . . Played at No. 3 doubles with Leydi Zora . . . Also competed with Paula Chelminska in tournament play . . . Finished doubles with a 1-8 record.

High School: Ranked second in women's tennis in Egypt . . . Number two in Girls 18s . . . Won numerous tournaments in Egypt.

Personal: Born Jan. 14, 1990 in Cairo . . . Given name is Men- natallah Hamed Kamal . . . Majoring in international business . . . Academic honors each year in high school . . . Enjoys playing piano and meeting new people . . . Daughter of Nadia Hamed Mostafa Kamal.

KAMAL’S RECORD

SINGLES No. 1 No. 2 No.3 No. 4 No. 5 No. 6 Totals 2008 - - - 2-5 - 2-2 4-7 Career - - - 2-5 - 2-2 4-7

DOUBLES No. 1 No. 2 No.3 Totals 2008 - - 0-5 0-5 Career - - 0-5 0-5

2009 ARKANSAS STATE TENNIS MEDIA GUIDE 12 astateredwolves.com Player Profiles Emily Laing

5-11 Sophomore 1L Christchurch, New Zealand (Rangi Ruru Girls School) 2008: Played four times at No. 4, once at No. 5 and 11 times at No. 6 . . . Finished with a 5-6 record at No. 6 and 6-10 overall in singles play . . . Competed in doubles play with Leydi Zora at No. 3 and No. 1 with Renee Branker . . . Along with Zora, posted a a 6-7 record at the No. 1 position . . . Finished 7-11 overall in doubles play.

University of Canter- bury: Did not play.

High School: Winner of Nelson Open . . . Also won Canterbury Championships for 18 and under girls double . . . Received music and mathematics scholarships . . . Also winner of Academic Pocket Award and Performing Arts Colors Award . . . Received Sports Col- ors Award . . . Also competed in volleyball, cricket and gymnastics (trampoline).

Personal: Born April 14, 1989 in Christchurch . . . Majoring in business at ASU . . . Enjoys shopping and music . . . Parents are Sharyn and Steuart Laing.

LAING’S RECORD

SINGLES No. 1 No. 2 No.3 No. 4 No. 5 No. 6 Totals 2008 - - - 1-3 0-1 5-6 6-10 Career - - - 1-3 0-1 5-6 6-10

DOUBLES No. 1 No. 2 No.3 Totals 2008 6-7 - 1-4 7-11 Career 6-7 - 1-4 7-11

2009 ARKANSAS STATE TENNIS MEDIA GUIDE 13 astateredwolves.com Player Profiles Tina Ojdanic

5-9 Sophomore HS Jonkoping, Sweden (Katedralskolan) 2008: Did not compete in any matches.

High School: Standout at Katedralskolan school where finished number one in her district for five consecutive years . . . Ranked No. 13 in Sweden among 20-year-old players and No. 16 in her country among 18-year-old girls.

Personal: Born April 19, 1987 in Banja Luka, Bosnia . . . Studying international business at Arkansas State . . . Enjoys music, running, hanging out with friends, reading a good book and shopping . . . Parents are Vela and Zeljko Ojdanic.

2009 ARKANSAS STATE TENNIS MEDIA GUIDE 14 astateredwolves.com Player Profiles Leydi Zora

5-2 Sophomore 1L Barraucabermeja, Colombia (Luis Lopez de Mesa) 2008: Played eight times at No. 4 and and five times at No. 6 finishing with a combined 6-7 record in those spots . . . Played twice at No. 5 with a 1-1 record . . . Finished the season with a 15- 10 overall record, including an 8-2 mark in tournament competition . . . Won the singles championship for the Silver Draw at the Ole Miss Invitational . . . Claimed third place in the Swirll Singles Flight of the Rice Classic . . . Played doubles with Menna Kamal, Emily Laing and Rone van Wyk . . . Played at No. 3 with all three partners . . . Finished 11-16 overall in doubles play . . . Best record with van Wyk as the duo combined for an 8-3 record at No. 3 spot and 10-7 overall.

High School: Standout at Luis Lopez de Mesa High School in Colom- bia . . . Ranked No. 8 in Girls 18-under in Colombia . . . Named outstanding female athlete in high school for 2006.

Personal: Born Sept. 25, 1990 in Barrancabermeja . . . Given name is Leydi Tatiana Zora Vesga . . . Majoring in electrical engineering . . . Named Most Outstanding Student in high school as a senior . . . Owned the best ICFES score in her 2006 class . . . Received Academic Excellence Award . . . Parents are Omar Zora and Maria Consuelo Vesga . . . Zora has one sister, Diana Zora . . . Name is pronounced “Lady”.

ZORA’S RECORD

SINGLES No. 1 No. 2 No.3 No. 4 No. 5 No. 6 Totals 2008 - - - 4-4 1-1 2-3 7-8 Career - - - 4-4 1-1 2-3 7-8

DOUBLES No. 1 No. 2 No.3 Totals 2008 - - 9-12 9-12 Career - - 9-12 9-12

2009 ARKANSAS STATE TENNIS MEDIA GUIDE 15 astateredwolves.com Player Profiles Elné Barnard

5-5 Freshman HS Port Elizabeth, South Africa (Hoërskool Stellenbosch) HIGH SCHOOL: Won the Dubbles Cup at the prestigious Amanda Coetzer High School Tournament in South Africa . . . No. 1 player on 2006 team that was ranked No. 3 in South Africa . . . Rep- resented the Boland Province.

PERSONAL: Born Jan. 1, 1989 at Bloemfontein, South Africa . . . Daughter of Ansa Pieter . . . Has two sisters, Anine and Judy, living in London . . . Brother, Dieteruys, lives in South Africa . . . Enjoys wa- terskiing, camping computers and traveling.

2009 ARKANSAS STATE TENNIS MEDIA GUIDE 16 astateredwolves.com All-Time Letterwinners

A Lockhande, Ashlesha ‘05 ‘06 Alred, Natalie ‘84 Loots, Wilmarie ‘95 ‘96 Arkansas State Anderson, Beth ‘89 ‘90 Axelsson, Eva-Lena ‘99 M Year-by-Year Results Axelsson, Pernilla ‘99 ‘00 ‘01 Meichsner, Kendra ‘95 ‘96 ‘97 ‘98 Minic, Zeljka ‘06 2008: 13-10 (7th in Sun Belt Conference) B Bishop, Sharon ‘88 Mc 2007: 9-8 (7th in Sun Belt Conference) Botha, Cornelia ‘95 ‘96 McCoy, Megan ‘00 ‘01 ‘02 ‘03 2006: 12-9 (8th in Sun Belt Conference) Brohman, Mary Anne ‘84 McFadden, Maureen ‘82 ‘83 ‘84 Bullington, J.J. ‘78 ‘79 ‘80 ‘81 McLin, Monica ‘92 2005: 6-11 (10th in Sun Belt Conference) Branker, Renée ‘05 ‘06 ‘07 ‘08 Byrne, Siobhan ‘00 ‘01 N 2004: 6-8 (9th in Sun Belt Conference) Nelson, Jennifer ‘02 2003: 11-11 (8th in Sun Belt Conference) C Caldwell, Angela ‘86 ‘87 ‘89 O 2002: 16-8 (4th in Sun Belt Conference) Chelminska, Paula ‘06 ‘07 ‘08 Oprea, Maria ‘05 ‘06 ‘07 ‘08 2001: 7-15 (8th in Sun Belt Conference) Cibils, Magui ‘99 ‘00 ‘01 ‘02 Osborn, Sandra ‘81 ‘82 Clark, Jo ‘86 ‘87 ‘88 2000: 17-4 (3rd in Sun Belt Conference) Crooks, Bettina ‘97 ‘98 P Cross, Kerrin ‘92 ‘93 Penon, Monica ‘05 1999: 13-8 (3rd in Sun Belt Conference) Crumpton, Karen ‘80 ‘81 ‘82 ‘83 Pogacnik, Marusa ‘02 ‘03 ‘04 ‘05 1998: 13-7 (3rd in Sun Belt Conference) Posada, Bianca ‘99 D Pridgen, Vanessa ‘81 1997: 12-5 (2nd in Sun Belt Conference) de Villiers, Wanda ‘93 ‘94 ‘95 ‘96 1996: 16-6 (2nd in Sun Belt Conference) R E Rana, Saumya ‘00 ‘01 1995: 16-1 (3rd in Sun Belt Conference) Engelbrecht, Marina ‘03 ‘04 ‘05 ‘06 Reilly, Leanne ‘84 ‘85 ‘86 ‘87 Enriquez, Giuliana ‘95 ‘96 ‘97 ‘98 Richardson, Cindy ‘80 ‘81 1994: 11-7 (4th in Sun Belt Conference) Eyeington, Tina ‘83 Roberts, Vanessa ‘85 ‘86 ‘87 ‘88 1993: 19-7 (4th in Sun Belt Conference) Robertson, Eileen ‘990 ‘91 F Robison, Claire ‘82 ‘83 1992: 17-9 (5th in Sun Belt Conference) Fourie, Katrien ‘92 ‘93 Robison, Kit ‘82 ‘83 1991: 11-3 (2nd in American South Conf.) G S 1990: 9-5 (3rd in American South Conf.) Geme, Gija ‘00 ‘01 ‘02 Saravia, Karen ‘05 1989: 5-12 (5th in American South Conf.) Geme, Liga ‘02 ‘03 ‘04 Scarbrough, Scottie Gibson, Marcia ‘77 ‘768 ‘79 ‘80 Schladweiler, Melissa ‘89 1988: 8-14 (T3rd in American South Conf.) Giesen, Vicki ‘88 ‘89 ‘90 ‘91 Searle, Julia ‘02 Grimes, Heidi ‘83 Silva, Melissa ‘05 1987: 10-8 (4th in Southland Conference) Guthrie, Belinda ‘98 ‘99 ‘00 ‘01 Smith, Allison ‘90 1986: 11-7 (5th in Southland Conference) Snapp, Marianne ‘81 H Stephens, Kim ‘84 ‘85 ‘86 ‘87 1985: 11-6 (3rd in Southland Conference) Halko, Paula ‘81 Stone, Jennie ‘85 ‘86 ‘87 1984: 6-10 (6th in Southland Conference) Harrison, Cynthia ‘89 Szafranski, Caroline ‘97 ‘98 ‘99 ‘00 Hilburne, Janet ‘89 ‘90 ‘91 ‘92 Szepeshazi, Agi ‘99 1983: 3-7 (4th in Southland Conference) Huchingson, Kimberly ‘91 ‘92 ‘93 ‘94 Hurzeler, Cyndi ‘90 T 1982: 12-3 (AWISA Champions) Tate, Melanie ‘94 ‘95 ‘96 ‘97 1981: 8-5 (2nd in AWISA) I Tiernan, Nicole ‘88 Iddles, Jo ‘990 ‘91 ‘92 Townsley, Rene ‘82 1979: 10-3 Turner, Kelley ‘93 ‘94 ‘95 1978: 2-8-2 J Jackard, Jane ‘82 ‘83 V 1977: 2-10 Van Den Berg, Leanne ‘93 ‘94 K van Wyk, Rone’ ‘08 1976: 2-6 Kamal, Menna ‘08 Vorwald, Catherine ‘84 ‘85 ‘86 ‘87 Kemsley, Kylie ‘96 ‘97 ‘98 ‘99 Kostner, Manuela ‘97 W Totals: 324-241-2 Koster, Mary ‘87 ‘88 Wilkinson, Dyphany ‘89 (.573 winning percentage) Kottke, Heather ‘91 ‘92 ‘93 ‘94 Wiskotoni, Becky ‘80 ‘81 ‘82

L Z Laing, Emily ‘08 Zora, Leydi ‘08 Lewis, Jill ‘82 ‘83 ‘84

2009 ARKANSAS STATE TENNIS MEDIA GUIDE 17 astateredwolves.com 2008 Results

Team Results Record: Overall Home Away Neutral All Matches 13-10 3-3 7-5 3-2 Conference 2-6 0-2 2-3 0-1 Non-Conference 10-3 3-1 5-2 2-0

Date Opponent Site Result Record

Sept. 14-16 at Ole Miss Invitational Oxford, Miss. NO TEAM SCORING Sept. 21-23 at Rice Invitational Houston, Texas NO TEAM SCORING Oct. 26-28 at Southern Miss Invitational Hattiesburg, Miss. NO TEAM SCORING Jan. 25 vs. Sam Houston State El Paso, Texas W, 5-2 1-0 Jan. 26 vs. Montana El Paso, Texas W, 6-1 2-0 Jan. 27 at UTEP El Paso, Texas L, 2-5 2-1 Feb. 3 Northwestern State Jonesboro, Ark. L, 3-4 2-2 Feb. 9 Louisiana-Lafayette* Jonesboro, Ark. L, 3-4 2-3 Feb. 15 at Northern Colorado Greeley, Colo. W, 5-2 3-3 Feb. 16 at Denver* Denver, Colo. L, 1-6 3-4 Feb. 17 at Air Force Colorado Springs, Colo. W, 4-3 4-4 Feb. 24 Middle Tennessee* Jonesboro, Ark. L, 3-4 4-5 Feb. 29 at Louisiana-Monroe* Monroe, La. W, 4-2 5-5 Mar. 1 at Louisiana Tech Ruston, La. W, 7-0 6-5 Mar. 7 at South Alabama* Mobile, Ala. L, 2-5 6-6 Mar. 8 vs. Troy* Montgomery, Ala. L, 0-7 6-7 Mar. 8 at UAB Birmingham, Ala. W, 4-3 7-7 Mar. 11 Southern Illinois Jonesboro, Ark. W, 5-2 8-7 Apr. 1 Memphis Jonesboro, Ark. W, 5-2 9-7 Apr. 3 at UALR* Little Rock, Ark. W, 4-3 10-7 Apr. 6 Tennessee Tech Jonesboro, Ark. W, 7-0 11-7 Apr. 10 at SMU Dallas, Texas L, 3-4 11-8 Apr. 11 at UT Arlington Arlington, Texas W, 5-2 12-8 Apr. 12 at North Texas* Denton, Texas L, 2-5 12-9 Sun Belt Conference Tournament Apr. 18 vs. Louisiana-Monroe Monroe, La. W, 4-1 13-9 Apr. 19 vs. South Alabama Monroe, La. L, 1-4 13-10 * Sun Belt Conference matches

2009 ARKANSAS STATE TENNIS MEDIA GUIDE 18 astateredwolves.com 2008 Statistics

SINGLES OVERALL TOURN. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Maria Oprea 23-10 9-2 14-8 - - - - - Paula Chelminska 19-13 4-6 - 15-7 - - - - Rone van Wyk 20-13 8-3 - - 12-10 - - - Reneé Branker 20-11 6-4 - - - 0-3 14-4 - Leydi Zora 15-10 8-2 - - - 4-4 1-1 2-3 Emily Laing 5-11 0-0 - - - 1-3 0-1 5-6 Menna Kamal 6-10 2-3 - - - 2-5 - 2-2 TOTALS 108-78 37-20 14-8 15-7 12-10 7-15 15-6 9-11

DOUBLES OVERALL TOURN. 1 2 3 Branker/Laing 6-7 0-0 6-7 - - van Wyk/Branker 5-9 2-2 3-7 - - Oprea/Chelminska 18-6 4-1 - 15-4 - van Wyk/Zora 10-7 2-4 - - 8-3 Zora/Kamal 0-5 0-0 - - 0-5 Laing/Zora 1-4 0-0 - - 1-4 Oprea/Branker 4-4 4-4 Chelminska/Kamal 1-3 1-3 TOTALS 45-45 13-14 9-14 15-14 9-12

Maria Oprea won a team-high Roné van Wyk was one of three Renee Branker finished her ca- 23 matches last season. ASU players to win 20 matches reer at ASU with 20 victories as in 2008. a senior.

2009 ARKANSAS STATE TENNIS MEDIA GUIDE 19 astateredwolves.com Welcome to Arkansas State University

Those who have not visited the campus of Arkansas State University in the last five or 10 years would be shocked at the school’s appearance today. So much on campus is tied to athletics.

There is so much construction and new projects on campus. The school looks . . . and is . . . a modern educational institution that has kept up with technology and student needs as much, if not more, than most schools in the nation. A student center addition anchors the campus and a new student recreation and wellness center is on the way.

New campus housing has recently been completed, including a “Collegiate Park” apartment complex, coastal-type soft-colored housing throughout campus, and a new dorm. There is a new Alumni Center and construction of a new overpass connecting the campus to local businesses is about to become a real- ity. It’s a new-look campus that is growing and improving each day.

Arkansas State University is an extremely valuable part of Northeast Arkansas and surrounding areas. On the following pages are portraits of the campus, of the people and areas which strengthen the university and those who are involved with its growth.

Welcome to Arkansas State!

2009 ARKANSAS STATE TENNIS MEDIA GUIDE 20 astateredwolves.com Welcome to Arkansas State University

Arkansas State University continues to thrive and expand. The University is constantly undergoing changes in its look, its increased enrollment and its expanding academic programs. The last few years have seen extensive physical changes, including more housing, a parking garage, a new and refur- bished student center, and there are more changes on the books for the near future. ASU is emerging as one of the leading universities in the South when it comes to preparing its graduates for the world’s challenges.

Beautiful apartment housing constructed in the coastal style of the Gulf Coast or tropical is- lands cover the east side of campus.

2009 ARKANSAS STATE TENNIS MEDIA GUIDE 21 astateredwolves.com Welcome to Arkansas State University

Located next to the pond that lies close to the Pavil- ion, and just southwest of ASU Stadium, ASU’s new alumni center recently opened.

It’s presence adds another dimension to football game day. Arkansas State’s alums will be able to incor- porate game-day activities in a centralized area.

A new section of student housing was recently completed as well, another sign of ASU’s growth.

2009 ARKANSAS STATE TENNIS MEDIA GUIDE 22 astateredwolves.com Welcome to Arkansas State University

Since its opening in January 2001, the Fowler Center has quickly become the region’s home for performance and visual arts presen- tations of the highest caliber, as well as for special civic and community events. Its location is just south of the Convocation Center. Arkansas State Univer si ty was established and Newport (Jackson County) where associate de- April 1, 1909, as a “public school of agri cul ture” by gree programs are offered, and at Marked Tree, Act 100 of the Arkansas General As sembly. It was lo- Searcy and Heber Springs. A new campus is being cated at Jonesboro because citi zens of the city bid built for ASU-Heber Springs. An instructional site $40,000 to the state and pledged 200 acres of land is located at Paragould. as a site. The Jonesboro campus, which occupies 942 After 99 years of growth, ASU-Jonesboro acres amid the gentle slopes of Crowley’s Ridge in now has an annu al budget of some $122.6 million, east Jonesboro, is located between the vast and fer- owns more than 3,000 acres of land in five different tile Missis sip pi River Valley and the cultural and counties, has a physi cal plant valued at almost $200 scenic richness of the Ozark Mountains. million, and has an alumni roll exceeding 53,000. More than 10,000 students annually work ASU’s rapid development over the years has toward de grees in 141 areas of special iza tion at the been typi cal of other major universities in an emerg- graduate and undergraduate levels. Fifteen under - ing modern South. From an agricultural high school gradu ate degrees are offered through the Colleges in 1909, to a junior college in 1918, to a four-year de- of Agri cul ture, Business, Commu ni ca tions, Educa- gree-granting institution in 1930, to a university in tion, Engineering, Fine Arts, Humanities and Social 1967, ASU has become regionally respect ed and na- Sciences, Nursing and Health Professions, Sciences tionally recog nized for its qualities of teaching, re- and Mathematics, and the University College. The search and service. Honors College was instituted July 1, 2004, evolving The ASU system includes campuses at Beebe from the Honors Program. (White County), Mountain Home (Baxter County),

The Arkansas Biosciences Institute opened in 2004. The $20 million facility is dedicated to multi-disciplinary research to fulfill purposes outlined in the Arkansas Tobacco Settle- ment.

2009 ARKANSAS STATE TENNIS MEDIA GUIDE 23 astateredwolves.com Welcome to Arkansas State University

Fifteen master’s and two specialist degrees are offered, as well as doctoral degrees in edu ca tion al leadership, envi ron men tal sciences, and heritage studies. Pre-professional programs are offered in nine areas. The bachelor’s degree programs with the most graduates are early childhood education, business administration, management information systems, ac- counting, nursing, agricultural business, and finance. The top graduate programs, based on number of degrees awarded, are business administration, education administration-elementary principalship, reading education, educational administration-secondary principalship, communication disorders, nursing and physical therapy. New academic programs are introduced as needed to respond to the rapid changes in our society. For instance, the athletic training program is the only such accredited program in the state. Academic strength has been enhanced with the Distance Learning Program which extends ASU’s edu ca tion al influ ence across the nation. Also, ASU offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs and upper level courses at ASU-Beebe, ASU- Mountain Home, and ASU degree centers in three Arkansas cities—Blytheville, Forrest City, and West Memphis—where partnership agreements have been established in cooperation with the community colleges in those cities.

CAMPUS LANDMARKS

(Above) The eight-story bell tower of the Dean B. Ellis Library, dedicated in 1995, is the focal point of the Arkan sas State University campus.

(Right) ASU’s Pavilion is the site of many student activities. A new Alumni Center was recently constructed across the pond from the Pavilion. The two sites form with ASU Stadium and the Convocation Center to create an exciting atmosphere on game days and nights.

2009 ARKANSAS STATE TENNIS MEDIA GUIDE 24 astateredwolves.com Welcome to Arkansas State University ASU offers challenging, fully-accredited programs and a prestigious 600-member faculty with a vast number holding doctorates from other major institutions. Some faculty are nation al ly known for teaching, research and service in the sciences, human i ties and profes sion al fields. Arkansas State University’s commitment to excellence in higher education is demon- strated by its accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association, as well as 18 specialized accred- iting organizations. ASU’s reputation toward excellence has been estab lished in part by student perfor - mance in national competition, such as a nationally ranked debate team, and by the success of its graduates. The under ly ing prin- ciple of learning at Arkansas State University is its tradition of changing to meet the needs of its students and the society in which they live and work. Arkansas State Univer si ty continues to grow and prosper because the univer si ty plans ahead for the needs of students. A recent example is the Horizon Institute of Tech- nology, created in the College of Business with a major gift from alumna Dr. Kathy Brittain White. The institute will provide opportunities for students, faculty, community and business leaders to expand their capabili- ties for providing solutions and increasing productivity with technology.

Arkansas State’s new student union is identified by a new fountain. The fountain was provided by Chi Omega Soror- ity and serves as a beautiful landmark to enter the building.

2009 ARKANSAS STATE TENNIS MEDIA GUIDE 25 astateredwolves.com Welcome to Arkansas State University

Following the success of Collegiate Park, a 336-bed luxury apartment complex on the north side of campus, ASU also erected The Village Apartments, which accommodates up to 100 families. The new $29 million Student Union has taken prominent place in the center of campus, with the first portions opening in the spring of 2004. The second phase of the project was complete renovation of the existing Reng Center. Students and visitors enjoy a new dining hall, meeting facilities, student leadership offices, book- store, computer labs, a food court and many other features. A new track and field complex has been completed on the south side of the campus. The $2.7 million facility features a 400-meter track facility, including venues for NCAA track and field events. The academic enterprise at ASU was enhanced with the addition of the $20 million Bio- sciences/Biotechnology Building. This facility was dedicated to multi-disciplinary research to fulfill purposes outlined in the Arkansas Tobacco Settlement. Several other projects which involve new construction or im- proved facilities are in various stages of planning and development, including a The $29 million Stu- liberal arts class- dent Union (left) and room building in the complete renovation heart of the campus of the existing Reng Center (left) houses a and the recently com- new dining hall, meet- pleted Cooper ing facilities, book- Alumni Center. A store, computer labs, groundbreaking cer- a food court and other emony for a new stu- features. The Village Apartments (above) dent recreation and accommodates up to wellness center was 100 families. Colle- also held this past giate Park (at top) spring. serves 336 students.

2009 ARKANSAS STATE TENNIS MEDIA GUIDE 26 astateredwolves.com Student Life at Arkansas State

Life at Arkansas State Uni- A groundbreaking ceremony for the versi ty is exciting, youthful and $18 million ASU Student Recreation and vibrant. There is something al- Wellness Center (above) was held April ways happen ing—with the stu- 4, 2008. dents' best interests at heart. The facility is designed as a 74,000- Not only do all kinds of stu- square-foot structure that will house dent events center around foot- multiple amenities for students. This ball and other sports, but nearly new recreation facility will have two every aca dem ic discipline on levels and will be equipped to outfit an campus offers soci et ies or orga ni - aquatics center in the future. The za tions to help spark interest. lower level will house approximately More than 160 different orga - 17,000 square feet of cardiovascular niza tions, including social and re- and strength training equipment, ligious orga ni za tions, are available three basketball/volleyball courts, to promote personal growth of the one multipurpose activity court, of- individual. fice space, locker rooms, and well- On-campus concerts are regular ness assessment rooms. The upper events, as are cultural exhib its, level will house a three-lane plays, specialty shows and semi nars. walking/running track, Competition is available through a as well as meeting rooms chal lenging intramural program, and and exercise classroom club sports are available. space. The Student Academically, there are plenty of Recreation and Wellness quiet nooks all around campus for Center will be able to in- studying. At the same time, opportuni- crease the number of fit- ties abound for recreation and relax- ness classes currently ation. Campus life has it all at offered, as well as adding Arkansas State University. additional wellness and nu- tritional programming op- tions.

2009 ARKANSAS STATE TENNIS MEDIA GUIDE 27 astateredwolves.com Athletics at Arkansas State ASU: WHERE CHAM Arkansas State University has a longstanding saying: “Big enough to play your game, small enough to know your name.” The names of student-athletes are known all over the country for their contributions to their sport. Champions are made at ASU. Opportunities are provided for all 16 of ASU’s NCAA Division I sports. Just look at the names and numbers—12 Olympians, over 100 National Football League contracts, All-Americans, All- Conference, All-Academic. You name it . . . you can be it at Arkansas State. The people on these two pages prove it. They have excelled individually as well as with their teams. They not only represent themselves as champions but their school, community, friends, and family as well.

Candice James was named an ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America selection in 2008.

Shawn Morgan finished B.J. Parish closed out his Shay Scott was named to his junior season ranked career at ASU last season the Sun Belt Conference among the top-10 players with a 15th place finish in All-Tournament team in the Sun Belt Confer- the decathlon at the after helping lead ASU to ence in steals, rebounds NCAA Outdoor Champi- the tournament semifi- and field goal percentage. Renee Branker was an onships. nals as a freshman last ESPN The Magazine Aca- season. demic All-District VI selection last season.

2009 ARKANSAS STATE TENNIS MEDIA GUIDE 28 astateredwolves.com Athletics at Arkansas State MPIONS ARE MADE

Junior Marissa Martinek was named second team All-Amer- ica by the National Ten- Junior Sophomore pin Coaches Association defensive end Alex Car- Anna Steckel received the at the conclusion of last rington was named the team’s Newcomer of season. 2008 Sun Belt Confer- theYear and MVP Award ence Defensive Player of last year. Sophomore Lloyd DuPreez the Year. was named the Sun Belt Conference Freshman of the Year after posting five top-10 finishes last year. Cayla Fielder was named the Sun Belt Conference Freshman of the Year in 2008.

Cassie Huffer recorded a top-10 finish in three tournaments last season ASU’s as a sophomore. three Olympic medal win- ners and former track and Brandon Eller was field coach Guy Kochel. (From named Third Team ESPN left) Bronze medal winner Dr. The Magazine Academic Tom Hill, Kochel, Gold Medal All-America as a junior in winner Al Joyner and Bronze 2008. Medal winner Earl Bell.

2009 ARKANSAS STATE TENNIS MEDIA GUIDE 29 astateredwolves.com Athletics Facilities

Arkansas State University’s athletic programs compete in top-of-the line facilities. ASU Stadium, which opened in 1974, has evolved into a beautiful stadium which seats 30,406 fans. That includes a cluster of exclusive suites in the south end zone atop the football office complex. A million dollar video/scoreboard is the focal point in the stadium. Coaches and student-athletes moved into a new $2.7 million track and field complex in spring 2004. It contains an eight-lane 400-meter track and can be set up for two NCAA venues. Three local country clubs graciously allow ASU’s men’s and women’s golf programs to utilize RidgePointe Country Club hosts their facilities for practice and play. the annual ASU Red Wolves Golf Classic J.A. “Ike” Tomlinson Stadium-Kell Field serves as home to Red Wolves baseball. Built in 1993, the The ASU Soccer Park opened in 2001, one stadium received complete lighting in 1996 and, year after the program was installed. It is lo- most recently, 206 field level seats were added for cated at the north end of ASU Stadium and ac- the 2008 season. commodates seating for 500. The complex also ASU’s newest women’s program, bowling, is the office headquarters for the program. competes in the Jonesboro Bowling Center, a 40- The Convocation Center seats 10,038 for lane state-of-the-art facility. basketball and is the home of ASU’s men’s and women’s teams. It also is the site for women’s volleyball and men’s and women’s indoor track and field. ASU’s cross country teams run on a well- planned course which originates and has its finish line at the Garry Meadows Arena at the Equine Center.

Convocation Center—Pride of ASU men’s and women’s basketball and indoor track and field

ASU Baseball plays at Tomlinson Stadium and Kell Field

2009 ARKANSAS STATE TENNIS MEDIA GUIDE 30 astateredwolves.com Athletics Facilities

ASU Soccer Park opened in 2001

Sage Meadows Golf Club has been the site of two Sun Belt Conference golf championships

Track & Field moved into a new facility in spring 2004

In addition to playing at Allen Park (above), RidgePointe Tennis Center, Three Oaks Rac- quet Club, and the Jonesboro Country Club provide their facilities in inclement weather.

ASU Stadium—Home of ASU Football

2009 ARKANSAS STATE TENNIS MEDIA GUIDE 31 astateredwolves.com Academics

The Arkansas State University Athletic Depart- ment announced the largest single donation in its history, a $400,000 gift from Charles Luter that will be used to enhance the athletic academic facility, at a press conference held at the newly named Charles F. Luter Family Academic Success Center in September of 2008. “We are proud to announce the largest gift in the history of ASU Athletics of $400,000, and we are also proud to announce the renaming of this facility to the Charles F. Luter Family Aca- demic Success Center,” said ASU Director of Athletics Dr. Dean Lee at the press conference. “We have the great opportunity to announce the completion of what we call the third phase of our performance enhancement complex. We previously had the Boe and Myrna Adams Strength and Conditioning Center, the Tim and Terri Langford Sports Medicine Center and now a vital and very important part of what we call the Academic Success Center. “That is a very appropriate name for what we do here, because we have had a tremendous amount of academic success,” Lee added. “We work extremely hard to build a culture where our student-athletes want to succeed not only in competition, but in the classroom, and they have done that.” The long list of ASU’s most recent academic achievements includes the latest statistics showing a 64.1 percent graduation rate of its student-athletes, the highest percentage in school history. Additionally, the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll had a total of more than 300 representatives during the 2007 academic year. Arkansas State won four Sun Belt Conference academic championships over the past year, representing the highest grade-point average in the league for a given sport. Among ASU’s winning teams was the football program, which won the Sun Belt’s academic title for the fourth time in the last five years. Also over the past year, 100 ASU student-athletes were placed on the 2007-08 SBC Commissioner’s List and Academic Honor Roll. In perhaps the truest measure of academic success, 44 student-athletes received their degrees from Arkansas State University over the last year as well. “I was very enthusiastic about making this contribution to ASU with the academic success that it has had,” said Luter. “I hope this contribution will add to the continued academic success and build on that academic success. I hope when we enhance this facility, it’s going to add to the entire University and the sports complex out here. Ultimately, what we have to think about is the student body as a whole and the student-athletes and how hard they work to be successful.” The 3,000 square-foot Charles F. Luter Family Academic Success Center serves as a foundation for structure, discipline and organi- zation for the education of all ASU student-athletes. The facility, coupled with innovative programs and equipment, currently houses the academic support staff, tutors, computer labs, a resource room, study areas, tutorial rooms, small group study centers, a large conference room, the compliance office and spring sports coaching offices. The renovation project will include a new foyer that will serve as a reception area for guests and recruits as they enter the facility, a new front that will create a stronger image, new computers, new tutorial rooms and restructuring of the computer lab. Some additions will assist in strengthening a culture of academic success through a stronger presence and recognition of Red Wolves student-athletes. A special wall and display area will be added for those student-athletes that make the honor roll. Also, those student-athletes that graduate will have their pictures displayed throughout the year until the next group of graduating seniors come in. Another phase of the renovation is a “Wall of Honor” that will recognize special student-athletes that have come to Arkansas State and excelled in their business, in their profession or in their community. The new facility will display a special plaque in honor of Charles and Kay Luter as well.

2009 ARKANSAS STATE TENNIS MEDIA GUIDE 32 astateredwolves.com ASU Administration

UNIVERSITY VICE CHANCELLORS BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Michael Medlock Dr. G. Dan Howard Dr. Rick Stripling Mr. Ed Kremers Mr. Cristian Murdock Vice Chancellor Vice Chancellor Vice Chancellor Vice Chancellor Jonesboro Academic Affairs Student Affairs Finance & University Advancement and Research Administration (Chair)

Florine Tousant Dr. Leslie Wyatt Milligan University System President Forrest City

(Vice Chair) INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS COMMITTEE ASU President Dr. Les Wyatt announced the forma tion of the new Intercollegiate Athletics Com- Howard mittee in the spring of 1997. Slinkard The Intercollegiate Athletics Committee reviews and makes recommendations on issues in- Rogers volving the welfare of student-athletes, the role of athletics in campus life, and the athletics program’s (Secretary) compliance with the University, conference, and Nonie Wiggins NCAA regulations; serves as a search advisory committee for key athletics program personnel; reviews the role of existing and potential sports programs; and reviews the athletics budget. The Mike committee reports to the Chancellor. Gibson Membership consists of four students appointed annually by the Stu- dent Government Association (one should be a student-athlete); four fac- Osceola ulty appointed by the Faculty Senate (staggered two-year terms); one Faculty Athletic Representative appointed by the Chancellor (two-year term); one executive staff member appointed by the Chancellor (two-year term); the Dean of University College; two staff members appointed by the staff Senate (staggered two-year terms); Student Government Asso- Ron ciation and Student Activities Board Presidents; and representatives from Rhodes the following external organizations: Alumni Association, Red Wolf Club, Letterman’s Club, and the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce Cherokee ASU Committee. The Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and the Senior Woman Athletic Administrator serve as ex-officio, nonvoting members. Village The Chancellor appoints a chair at the beginning of each academic year.

2009 ARKANSAS STATE TENNIS MEDIA GUIDE 33 astateredwolves.com Dr. Robert Potts, University Campus Chancellor

Dr. Robert L. Potts, a veteran administrator in higher education, was selected after a national search on Oct. 6, 2006, to serve as the first chancellor of the Jonesboro campus of Arkansas State University. In that capacity, among his other duties he now provides oversight for ASU’s athletic program. After studying at Newbold College in England then completing his bachelor's degree at Southern Adventist University in Tennessee, Potts earned a juris doctor degree from the University of Alabama. He later earned a master of laws degree from Harvard Uni- versity. Potts has had a distinguished career in higher education. Prior to joining ASU, he served as chancellor of the North Dakota University System. Previously, he served as president of the University of North Alabama in Florence, Ala., for more than 14 years, and prior to that was General Counsel of the University of Alabama System. During his first months at ASU-Jonesboro, Potts worked closely with the Faculty Sen- ate in resolving issues of concern to the faculty, and planned for a major capital campaign and the University’s upcoming centennial celebration in 2009-2010. During the 2007-08 academic year, in addition to overseeing the process that led to the selection of Red Wolves as the new ASU mascot, he appointed seven task forces of faculty, staff, and students who have studied and made recommendations on major issues of importance to the future of the University. Many of those recommendations are now being implemented. The Uni- versity is currently focused on increasing its enrollment through expansion of distance learning offerings and building a more robust international program, in addition to improving its facilities across the campus to make the campus more convenient and attrac- tive to students. In addition, under Potts leadership, the University is taking steps to modernize and expand its curriculum and also to increase its research and sponsored program activities. As President of the University of North Alabama, his accomplishments included streamlining the administrative structure, implementing a shared governance decision making structure, raising admission standards, and establishing a development and advancement office. He and his administration also led the university's first capital campaign, established a Child Development Center, expanded the international students program, completed a campus master plan, and implemented several construction projects, including academic buildings, student recreation center, four residence halls, and others. While at UNA, Potts served a term as President of the Gulf South Athletic Confer- ence, and University athletic teams won five Division II national championships. While with the North Dakota University System, Potts was chief executive officer for a statewide system that included 42,000 students on six four-year campuses and five two- year campuses. Among the highlights of his work there, he provided leadership in creat- ing a statewide collaboration plan for increasing the number of international students, in implementing a new higher education administrative software system, in continuing the highly acclaimed Higher Education Roundtable process that successfully aligned the higher education system with the needs of the state, and in implementing the first stage of a $50 million Economic Centers of Excellence program for system campuses. His list of professional activities is long, including membership in the Southern As- sociation of Colleges and Schools' Commission on Colleges, on the board of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, on the U.S. Department of Education's Na- tional Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity, and on several accreditation teams. He also chaired the Secretary of the Army's ROTC Program Sub-Committee, which focused on improving the Army ROTC and Junior ROTC programs throughout the United States. He has also served terms on the boards of trustees of Alabama State Uni- versity and Oakwood College. In addition to his administrative experience, he has taught at Boston University, University of Alabama, and University of North Alabama. Potts met his wife Irene, a native of Sweden, while they were participating in an international education program in England. They are the parents of two adult children. Julie Anna Potts and her husband, Parks Shackelford, live in the Washington, D.C. area where Julie Anna is general counsel for the American Farm Bureau Federation and Parks works for Florida Crystals, a sugar cane company. They have three children, Ella, Olivia, and Duke. Les Potts and his wife Holly also have two children, Claire and Anna Leslie. They live in Starkville, Miss., where he is employed at Mississippi State University and she is an ac- tive volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and other charitable organizations.

2009 ARKANSAS STATE TENNIS MEDIA GUIDE 34 astateredwolves.com Dr. Dean Lee, Director of Athletics

When the Arkansas State University athletics program reaches its 100th birthday in two years, Dean Lee's name will figure prominently in the celebration. ASU athletics is entering its 99th year and Lee still has a little more time to con- tinue restoring the old and building new tradition for Arkansas State. Under Lee’s direction, the ASU athletic department enjoyed another significant year in 2007-08. Not only did ASU enjoy some of the most exciting moments ever on the fields, courts, and tracks, but also in the arenas of academics, donor and alumni involvement, community service and achievement. Lee was named the AAFF’s Outstanding Athletic Director in 2008 and serves on the NCAA Men’s Basketball Issues Committee, the BCS Athletic Directors Advisory Committee and the Division 1A Athletic Directors Association Board of Trustees. He has guided the athletic department to annual success academically and com- petitively, but last year ASU athletics once again enjoyed growth through a number of unique accomplishments and projects as well. For instance, 206 field-level seats and new party boxes available for corporate events were added to Tomlinson Stadium, the Convocation Center weight room un- derwent major renovations that included new weights and cardio equipment, festiv- ities such as Jazz in Jonesboro continued to grow and improve, the women’s bowling team was the NCAA National Runner-up and Lee was instrumental in the recruit- ment and hiring of John Brady, who is just two years removed from an NCAA Final Four appearance, as the Red Wolves new men’s basketball coach. Those are just a few of the many ways the ASU athletic department continued to develop under Lee, who is always looking for new and creative ways to take the Red Wolves athletic program to the next level while maintaining its main focus on academics, competitive performance and a well-rounded environment for student-athletes. Entering his seventh year as Director of Athletics, Lee is even hungrier for ASU to have continued success in all areas. He has already made great strides in enabling Arkansas State's Department of Athletics to become one of the most respected programs around. Dr. Lee became ASU's 10th Director of Athletics July 9, 2002. It wasn't long before the department began to experience important and progressive changes which were capped by an unprecedented “State of A-State” address in the spring of 2004. When he concluded the address to a packed house, there was no mistaking that he is committed to building a successful program at ASU. In a very short time, he has orchestrated sellout and capacity crowds, overseen the expansion and growth of ASU's athletic facilities, and provided sound leadership to both the athletic staff and population of student-athletes. Lee came to ASU from Oklahoma State University, where he was the executive director of the OSU Athletic Associates and assistant vice president of the OSU Foun- dation. His administrative experience at two NCAA Division I-A universities, OSU and the University of Arkansas, and his achievements in mobilizing financial support make him well-suited for Arkansas State University and Northeast Arkansas. In addition, Dr. Lee's experience as athletic director at Arkansas Tech University and his familiarity with ASU and the state of Arkansas help him feel right at home. He earned his bachelor's degree in 1979 and master's in education at Henderson State University, then completed his doctor of education degree at the University of Arkansas in 1989. Although born in Tulsa, Okla., Lee competed in high school sports in Berryville, Arkansas, and was selected to play in the all-Star basketball and football games in 1975. He also played basketball, baseball and tennis at Henderson State, where he later served as an assistant coach. He was head basketball coach at Malvern High School The Lee Family early in his career. (from left) Anna Pearl, Reba, Dean and wife Reba are the parents of two daughters, Diamond Olivia (13) and Dean and Diamond Anna Pearl (11).

2009 ARKANSAS STATE TENNIS MEDIA GUIDE 35 astateredwolves.com Athletics Staff

DR. DEAN LEE DOUG ABEL JULIE LESSITER DOUG DOGGETT GLEEN HART RANDY KNOWLES NIKKI LEE Director of Athletics Senior Associate Associate Director of Associate Director of Assistant Director of Assistant Director of Assistant Director of Director of Athletics Athletics for Student Athletics for External Athletics for Marketing Athletics for Facilities Athletics for Ethics & Services/SWA Operations & Director & Promotions & Event Management Governance of the Red Wolf Club

JERRY SCOTT BRAD PIETZ JOHN ARCE BRAD BOBO BOBBY BURTON RON CARROLL RYAN DICKSON Assistant Director Assistant Director Director of Strength Director of Athletics Facilities Head Certified Equipment of Athletics for of Athletics for & Conditioning Corporate Sales Supervisor for Trainer Supervisor Sports Information Development Grounds & Landscape

DARLENE ETTER TABITHA FOREMAN MEREDITH GREEN BRAD HERMAN LEELA KELLER MARTHA McFERRON ROSS MILLER Administrative Athletics Secretary A-Team Adviser Academic Adviser Men’s Basketball Cheerleader Adviser Assistant Director of Assistant to Director Secretary Strength & Conditioning of Athletics

VAN PROVENCE ANTHONY REYNOLDS KAREN RINEHART ANDREA SCOTT SANDRA SMYTHE CHAD STURKIE KANGIT TATE Assistant Director of Assistant Director of Administrative Secretary Director of Compliance Assistant Certified Football Secretary Sports Information Sports Information to Head Football Coach Marketing Secretary Trainer

BILL TEMPLETON NATALIE TROTTER CAROLINE WILLIAMS LON BADEAUX BRIAN BOYER JOHN BRADY CRAIG CUMMINGS Director of Major Assistant Certified Athletics Secretary Track & Field, Cross Women’s Basketball Men’s Basketball Women’s Volleyball Gifts Trainer Country Head Coach Head Coach Head Coach Head Coach 2009 ARKANSAS STATE TENNIS MEDIA GUIDE 36 astateredwolves.com Athletics Staff

CHRIS JAMES STEVE JOHNSON GINGER BROWN LEMM DEREK PITTMAN TOMMY RAFFO STEVE ROBERTS MARCIA WILLIAMS Women’s Bowling Men’s Golf Women’s Golf Women’s Soccer Baseball Football Women’s Tennis Head Coach Head Coach Head Coach Head Coach Head Coach Head Coach Head Coach

JULIE ALLEN LISA BERG JASON BROOKS JEFF CLAPACS CHRIS COOK KEVIN CORLESS JACK CURTIS Women’s Volleyball Women’s Soccer Track & Field, Cross Men’s Basketball Baseball Football Football Assistant Coach Assistant Coach Country Assistant Assistant Coach Assistant Coach Assistant Coach Assistant Coach Coach

ELIZABETH DAVENPORT CHAD DOLLAR MARINA ENGELBRECHT TONY GILBERT DAVID GUNN MAURICE HARRIS DARREN HILLER Track & Field, Cross Men’s Basketball Women’s Tennis Football Football Football Football Country Assistant Coach Assistant Coach Assistant Coach Assistant Coach Assistant Coach Assistant Coach Assistant Coach

MATT KRAFT ELWYN McROY JUSTIN MECCAGE KEVIN PEOPLES REBECCA PEOPLES TANYA RAY DOUG RUSE Track & Field Men’s Basketball Baseball Football Women’s Basketball Women’s Basketball Football Assistant Coach Assistant Coach Assistant Coach Assistant Coach Assistant Coach Assistant Coach Assistant Coach

TYLER SISKEY SEAN WEIBLING Football Women’s Basketball Assistant Coach Assistant Coach

2009 ARKANSAS STATE TENNIS MEDIA GUIDE 37 astateredwolves.com Jonesboro

gional center for cultural, educational, in- dustrial, commercial, agricultural, communication, transportation, recreational and medical interests. It contains almost every convenience of a big city and every Jones- comfort of a small town. boro, home of Arkansas The community is alive with cultural State University, weighs in as the largest events such as the art exhibitions, theatri- city in Northeast Arkansas. As a matter of cal and musical productions, not only on fact, if you form a triangle by connecting campus but in the city itself through the Little Rock, St. Louis and Memphis, Jones- Jonesboro Fine Arts Council, NEA Foun- boro stands out as the largest metro pol i - dation of Arts, the Forum and the North- tan city in what amounts to a 17,000 east Arkansas Symphony. One highlight is square mile triangular area. the annual Hispanic celebration when Jonesboro is a great city of 60,000, and downtown Main Street is transformed into is always ready to welcome incoming ASU a festive explosion of Hispanic music, food students from the moment they arrive in and cultural activity. town. The booming community has ma- Jonesboro is also the medical hub of tured over the past half century into a re- northeast Arkansas and southeast Mis-

2009 ARKANSAS STATE TENNIS MEDIA GUIDE 38 astateredwolves.com Jonesboro

. . . More About Jonesboro • Regionally located with numerous services for Northeast Arkansas, portions of Tennessee & Missouri. • More than 100 industries are located in Jonesboro. • Cited as Volunteer and Arkansas Com- munity of Year. • Ideal climate and temperature provide a variety of recreational activities including hunting, fishing, golf, park activities, tennis, boating, swimming, camping and picnicking. • Downtown Jonesboro is revitalized into area including loft housing, restaurants, specialty shops, weekly and weekend concerts featuring everything from gospel to rap. • Site of new Mall at Turtle Creek which houses over 100 new stores. Construction of the mall, which opened in March 2006, ex- ceeded $100 million.

Jonesboro is living up to its slogan of “People, Pride, and Progress” Memphis is less than an hour away from the ASU campus. souri, with two major hospitals and count- “capital” of the northeast quadrant of the less medical professionals. The city is also state. a shopping mecca, offering a modern busi- Northeast Arkansas is a recreation ness district as well as quaint downtown haven for the person who enjoys water antique shops and restaurants. The $100 sports, fishing, hunting, and boating as million Mall at Turtle Creek recently well as the joys of unspoiled nature. Jones- opened with more than 100 stores. boro and the surrounding area have an One of the five largest cities in abundance of lakes, rivers, ponds, streams Arkansas, Jonesboro is located between and forests to serve as nature’s play- the vast and fertile Mississippi River and grounds for the avid outdoors person. the cultural and scenic richness of the And, Jonesboro, ranked by Forbes.com Ozark Mountains. It is nestled about 70 as the 27th “best small place to live” is a miles west of Memphis, Tennessee, on the nice place to call home. gentle slopes of Crowley’s Ridge. Jonesboro is a comfortable one hour drive from Memphis, two hours from Lit- tle Rock and four hours from St. Louis.The city and University have meshed resources in recent years and have truly become the

2009 ARKANSAS STATE TENNIS MEDIA GUIDE 39 astateredwolves.com Sun Belt Conference

While there are 31 finished in the top ten of their regionals to advance to the final stage of NCAA conferences that the NCAAs. sponsor multiple sports, The 2008 Sun Belt softball season saw Louisiana-Lafayette reach the Sun Belt is one of the Women’s College World Series after defeating Houston in three only eleven to participate games in the Super Regionals and winning the NCAA Baton Rouge Re- in the Bowl Champi- gional by defeating East Carolina and in-state rival LSU twice. onship Series (BCS) and In baseball, the Sun Belt Conference has sent multiple teams to the Football Bowl Subdivi- NCAA tournament each year since 1988. The 20-year streak of having sion. The Sun Belt was two or more teams reach NCAA play is matched by only four other con- formed in 1976 with six ferences (ACC, Big West, SEC, Pac-10). members competing in Because of its status as a member of the Division 1-A football coali- four men’s sports, and tion, the Sun Belt Conference has a permanent seat on the NCAA’s 17- today comprises 13 insti- member Board of Directors. As a result, the conference has a crucial tutions of higher learn- voice on some of the most pressing issues in college athletics and will al- ing while sponsoring 19 ways have a role in the implementation of any future NCAA legislation championship sports for and guidelines. men and women. The conference continues to utilize television to grow and promote The Sun Belt Confer- the league. Adding volleyball, baseball and softball to the conference’s ence enters its 33rd sea- television package has resulted in more national and regional television son in 2008-2009 with a exposure for the league than at any time in its history. The conference’s proud history of athletic regional television package enables live telecasts of Sun Belt events to and academic success. reach over 20 million households. Additionally, ESPN televised the con- Wright Waters The conference spon- ference’s men’s basketball championship game for the 28th straight sea- sors 10 women’s sports - son in 2008, marking its longest affiliation with any conference in the Commissioner basketball, cross coun- country. try, golf, soccer, softball, The Sun Belt Conference has partnered with JumpTV Sports, Inc. swimming and diving, to deliver a full-service, customized, public and premium web site to pro- tennis, indoor and outdoor track and field, and volleyball; and nine vide fans with a broad range of real-time information and content about men’s sports – baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, swim- the conference’s athletic teams. The Sun Belt is one of the few confer- ming and diving, tennis, and indoor and outdoor track and field. ences in the nation to provide video highlights and features on its web- Each of the 19 sports has seen numerous team and individual ac- site from each of the league’s respective championships. This technology complishments, and 12 Sun Belt Conference schools are currently grad- serves as a great recruiting tool for schools by enabling anyone in the uating its student athletes at a rate higher than their school’s student world with internet access to view the conference’s championship body. All Sun Belt schools are committed to excellence in the 21st cen- events, and fans in five different countries viewed the conference’s most tury, and facility upgrades and expansion are occurring on virtually recent soccer championship. every campus. Prominent Sun Belt alumni include United States Secretary of State During the 2007-08 academic year alone the Sun Belt Conference Condoleezza Rice (Denver), NFL Hall of Fame football player “Mean” accomplished numerous feats. In the fall of 2007 Middle Tennessee and Joe Greene (North Texas), Arizona Diamondbacks All-Star baseball Western Kentucky University both represented the league in the NCAA player Luis Gonzalez (South Alabama), former member of the United Volleyball Tournament – the first time the Sun Belt has sent multiple States Senate and House of Representatives John Breaux (Louisiana- teams to the NCAA Tournament in volleyball. Middle Tennessee did not Lafayette), country music superstar Tim McGraw (Louisiana-Monroe), disappoint, as the Blue Raiders advanced to the “Sweet 16” – marking and actor Andy Garcia (Florida International). the first time a Sun Belt school has made the round of 16 in volleyball. The conference’s first 32 years have also produced numerous indi- The Sun Belt momentum continued in the sport of football as vidual national champions along with Olympic track medalists includ- Florida Atlantic defeated Memphis in the R+L Carriers New Orleans ing Earl Bell, Tom Hill and Al Joyner (Arkansas State), Hollis Conway Bowl. The win marked the second consecutive season that a Sun Belt (Louisiana-Lafayette), and Tayna Lawrence (Florida International). Old team has defeated its Conference USA opponent as Troy defeated Rice in Dominion’s Anne Donovan received the Naismith Trophy recognizing 2006. the nation’s top women’s basketball player in 1983, helped the United In men’s basketball, Western Kentucky University and South Ala- States win the Olympic gold medal in 1984, and helped the Lady Mon- bama both received bids to the 2008 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tourna- archs capture the national championship in 1985 (one of eight women’s ment – the first the league has sent two teams to the “Big Dance’” since Final 4 appearances by Sun Belt schools: Old Dominion - 1983, 1985; 1994. WKU’s 101-99 win over 14th ranked Drake followed by a 72-63 win WKU – 1985, 1986, 1992; Louisiana Tech – 1994, 1998, 1999). Sun Belt over San Diego made the Hilltoppers the first Sun Belt team to reach the teams have also participated in the men’s NCAA Final 4 (UNC-Charlotte tournament’s “Sweet 16” since 1993. in 1977), the College World Series (Louisiana-Lafayette in 2000), the Despite losing more than half of the league’s All-Conference mem- women’s College World Series (Louisiana-Lafayette in 1993, 1995, 1996, bers from 2006-07, Sun Belt women’s basketball ranked in the top half 2003), and had 10 players selected in the first round of the NBA Draft. (14th of 31) of the final league RPI rankings for the 10th consecutive The Sun Belt Conference is led by Commissioner Wright Waters, year. In six of those ten years, Sun Belt women’s basketball has placed who is in his ninth full year as commissioner. He was named the con- in the national top 10 for RPI. ference’s fourth commissioner in February of 1999 following the tenures There was no shortage of success in the Sun Belt’s spring sports in of Vic Bubas (1976-1990), Jim Lessig (1990-1991), and Craig Thompson 2008 as well. In tennis, Florida International and Denver represented (1991-1998). The league’s annual all sports champion is awarded the Vic the Sun Belt in the NCAA Women’s Tennis Tournament – with the Pio- Bubas Cup, named after the conference’s first commissioner. neers advancing to the second round. In men’s tennis, South Alabama The conference office has been headquartered in downtown New and Denver represented the league in the NCAA Tournament with USA Orleans since 2000 after moving from suburban Metairie, La., where it advancing to the second round. had been based since 1991. Prior to moving to the “Big Easy,” the league Sun Belt golf was also well represented in postseason play as Mid- was based in Tampa, Fla., from 1977-1991. The original conference office dle Tennessee’s men’s team and Denver’s women’s team both reached was located in Charlotte, N.C., from 1976-77. the NCAA National Championship. Both the Blue Raiders and Pioneers

2009 ARKANSAS STATE TENNIS MEDIA GUIDE 40 astateredwolves.com

Sept. 5-7 St. Louis Billiken Classic @ St. Louis, Mo. All Day 26-28 Kansas Jayhawk Invitational @ Lawrence, Ks. All Day Oct. 10-12 Ole Miss Invitational @ Oxford, Ms. All Day Oct. 31-Nov. 1 ULM Invitational @ Monroe, La. All Day Jan. 23 UT Arlington Jonesboro, AR 9:00 a.m. Feb. 7 Tulsa @ Tulsa, Ok. 8:30 a.m. 8 Oral Roberts @ Tulsa, Ok. Noon 14 Middle Tennessee* @ Murfreesboro, Tn. 11:00 a.m. 15 Tennessee Tech @ Cookeville, Tn. 10:00 a.m. 22 Southern Illinois @ Carbondale, Il. 9:30 a.m. Mar. 7 New Orleans* @ New Orleans, La. 11:00 a.m. 8 Louisiana-Lafayette* @ Lafayette, La. 10:00 a.m. 9 McNeese State @ Lake Charles, La. 10:00 a.m. 13 Louisiana-Monroe* Jonesboro, Ar. 9:00 a.m. 13 Louisiana Tech Jonesboro, Ar. 2:00 p.m. 14 Southeast Missouri State Jonesboro, Ar. 2:00 p.m. 15 UTEP Jonesboro, Ar. 9:00 a.m. 20 UAB Jonesboro, Ar. 11:00 a.m. 21 UALR* Jonesboro, Ar. 1:00 p.m. Apr. 5 Troy* Jonesboro, Ar. 10:00 a.m. 9 Memphis @ Memphis, Tn. 3:00 p.m. 10 St. Louis Jonesboro, Ar. 3:30 p.m. 17-19 Sun Belt Conference Tournament @ Denton, Tx. All Day

All Times Central *Sun Belt Conference Match