LEXINGTON ? Kentucky women?s tennis head coach Mark Guilbeau and assistant coach Carlos Drada earned recognition from the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Monday after leading Kentucky to its highest ranking and its first Southeastern Conference championship.

Guilbeau, now in his ninth season at Kentucky, was named the Wilson/ITA Southeast Region Coach of the Year after leading Kentucky to a No. 2 national ranking and its first SEC regular-season title. Guilbeau, who earned his second SEC Coach of the Year award last month, collects his first regional coach of the year honor. Guilbeau now becomes a nominee for the Wilson/ITA National Coach of the Year award. The recipient will be announced on May 22 at the NCAA Women?s Tennis Championships in Athens, Ga.

?Any coaching honor we receive is a result of the effort put in by the student-athletes,? Guilbeau said. ?This team has an exceptional work ethic, which has been reflected by their accomplishments this season. I share this honor with them. Our players certainly were worthy of regional recognition, as well.?

Drada was named the ITA Southeast Region Assistant Coach of the Year after playing a vital role in Kentucky?s success this season. Kentucky has made the NCAA Sweet 16 during each of his three seasons on the coaching staff.

?It is an honor to receive this recognition, especially while coaching in the nation’s most competitive tennis conference,? Drada said. ?I thank the UK team members for all of their hard work this season. We have been successful as a team because of their individual efforts. Their ability allows me to develop my coaching skills and makes my job very enjoyable and challenging.

“I also want to share this award with (volunteer assistant coach) Jonathan Thompson. He has helped this team with insight and dedication. I am grateful to Mark Guilbeau and the UK athletic department for providing me with this wonderful opportunity during these past few years.?

?This is a great award and very deserving recognition for Carlos,? Guilbeau said. ?Carlos has helped us with his live individual workouts and live hitting. He puts in a great deal of time individually with the kids, and his coaching really helps them reach another level. Unfortunately, they don?t give awards for a third coach, but we certainly have received a great deal of help from (volunteer assistant coach) Jonathan Thompson on our staff, as well.?

Kentucky begins NCAA competition this weekend with the NCAA regional at UK?s Boone Tennis Complex. UK will meet Marshall on Friday at 2 p.m. EDT.