Michael Zheng Named ITA National Player to Watch – Columbia University Athletics

NEW YORK – Columbia men’s tennis rising junior Michael Zheng was selected as the ITA National Player to Watch Thursday after finishing as the NCAA Singles runner-up in May.
 
The ITA Player to Watch award is new for this season, which makes Zheng the first person to win the national award. The award is meant for a returning player that is expected to have an outstanding collegiate year next season and be one of the top returning regional players.
 
Zheng made history this season as the first singles player in program history to compete in the national championship match. Zheng also helped guide the team to its first appearance in the NCAA Quarterfinals. Zheng finished this season ranked No. 10 in singles and No. 24 in double with his partner, Theo Winegar. Zheng secured the top spot in singles and doubles in the final ITA Northeast Rankings.
 
“The Columbia University community is extremely proud of Michael,” Bidyut K. Goswami Head Coach of Men’s Tennis Howard Endelman ’87CC said. “He represents our institution and program with class, humility and respect – both on and off the tennis court.”
 
Columbia dominated the ITA Northeast Region awards that were announced Wednesday, winning seven of eight total awards. Zheng was also named the Northeast Region Player to Watch, which qualified him for the national award.
 
The Columbia coaching staff secured top honors as Endelman was named the Northeast Region Wilson ITA Coach of the Year. Assistant Ian Van Cott joined the list as the Northeast Region ITA Assistant Coach of the Year.
 
Henry Ruger and Hugo Hashimoto earned recognition for their performance on the court and sportsmanship. Ruger earned the Northeast Region Arthur Ashe Leadership and Sportsmanship award, while Hashimoto secured the Northeast Region ITA Rafael Osuna Sportsmanship Award.
 
Alex Kotzen, Zheng and Winegar rounded out the list of award winners. Winegar was selected as the Northeast Region ITA Most Improved Player. Zheng earned the Northeast Region Player to Watch honor. Kotzen was named the Northeast Region ITA Senior Player of the Year.
 
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