June 16, 2006

Lewis-Clark State College (Idaho) head women's tennis coach Kai Fong leads four NAIA women's tennis players in receiving national honors.  Each were recognized the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) for their accomplishments during the season.

Fong has served as men's and women's tennis coach at Lewis-Clark State since 1988 and is the school's indoor tennis facility manager.  Fong led LC State to a 12-11 record and advanced to the second round of the NAIA national tournament in May. 

Southern Nazarene University's (Okla.) Larikah Russell was selected as the ITA National Senior Player of the Year. The senior from Freeport, Bahamas as won the ITA individual championship three years runnning. 

Hana Jurcovicova from Vanguard University (Calif.) was named the ITA National Rookie Player of the Year.  The freshman was named a first-team NAIA All-American and was instrumental in the Lions run to the quarterfinals of the NAIA national championship.

ITA National Player to Watch Candela Castanon of Lindsey Wilson College (Ky.) is a repeat All-American from 2005.  Castanon played at the #1 singles for the Blue Raiders as she and her teammates advanced to the semifinal round of the national tournament.

Cassie Lomison from Milligan College (Tenn.) was awarded the 2006 ITA/Arthur Ashe Leadership & Sportsmanship Award. Lomison finished her intercollegiate career with a 48-18 career record in singles, including a 16-4 senior campaign. She was named to the All-Appalachian Athletic Conference team four years and was named the 2005 NAIA Region XII Player of the Year.

ITA Women's Awards
Wilson/ITA National Coach of the Year - Kai Fong, Lewis-Clark State
ITA National Senior Player of the Year -  Larikah Russell, Southern Nazarene
ITA National Rookie Player of the Year - Hana Jurcovicova, Vanguard
ITA National Player to Watch - Candela Castanon, Lindsey Wilson
ITA/Arthur Ashe Leadership & Sportsmanship Award - Cassie Lomison, Milligan