May 13, 2014

LEXINGTON, Ky. – University of Kentucky women’s tennis head coach Carlos Drada and assistant coach Kevin Calhoun received national coaching honors from the Intercollegiate Tennis Association, as it was announced Tuesday afternoon. Drada and Calhoun lead Kentucky to one of its best finishes in the past five years.

Drada, who is ninth season as the head coach, was named the Wilson/ITA Ohio Valley Region Coach of the Year after a 17-12, 6-9 SEC record and an at-large bid to the NCAA Championships. This isn’t Drada’s first time being recognized for his coaching abilities. In 2005, he was tabbed the ITA National Assistant Coach of the Year after making an appearance in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Championships.

“I want to thank each and every one of our players for buying into our philosophies, all the credit goes to them,” Drada said. “I also want to thank Coach Calhoun for his contribution to our team. We are fortunate to have been selected from a great pool of nominees. We look forward to continue our process next season.”

Calhoun was named the Wilson/ITA Ohio Valley Region Assistant Coach of the Year after a strong season in which he had a large role. This is Calhoun’s fifth coaching honor. In 2010, Calhoun was named the ITA East Regional NAIA Women’s Coach of the Year. He was honored as the Mid-South Conference Women’s Tennis Coach of the Year in 2001 and 2004 and was awarded the men’s award in 2007. He also was recognized as the 2007 Kentucky Coach of the Year by the USTA.

“It is always nice to be recognized for one’s work, but the credit really belongs with the young women who work so hard every day,” Calhoun said. “They have committed themselves to this program and its coaching staff. Ultimately, coaches are judged by the performances of their players, and Coach Drada and I have outstanding young women who represent us. I am grateful to them and also for them.”

Kentucky will head to Athens, Ga., Tuesday, May 20 to compete in the NCAA Singles and Doubles Tournament.