A WINNING PROGRAM Since arriving in Orlando prior to the 2000 season, head coach Bobby Cashman has built the Knights into a consistent winner. Thanks to Cashman, UCF is a nationally-recognized program that competes with many of the elite teams in the nation each season. On three occasions during Cashman’s tenure, the Knights have participated in the NCAA Championship. With a challenging schedule every season, the squad has ample opportunities to play against the best teams in the country. As a result, the Knights are no strangers to spending time in the national rankings. Facing the nation’s finest teams allows the Knights to tour the United States. Previous trips have taken the Knights to destinations such as San Diego, Calif., Dallas, Texas, and Philadelphia, Pa. The Knights compete in one of the top leagues in the nation in Conference USA. Along with UCF, programs like Rice, SMU and Tulsa routinely represent the conference on the national stage. In 2009, the Knights hosted the C-USA Men’s Tennis Championship. The weather in Orlando allows the Knights to practice and play all year round. Facility upgrades have also helped Cashman maintain a top-notch program. The UCF Tennis Complex provides UCF with a first-class facility and makes it convenient for fans to attend matches.
PLAYING THE BEST During the 2010 season the Knights will face eight squads who finished the 2009 campaign ranked among the top-75 teams in the country, including two contests against top-20 ranked teams.
AN EXPERIENCED STAFF The UCF coaching staff features a unique blend of unparalleled experience and youthful vigor. Head coach Bobby Cashman and assistant Nick Zieziula possess all of the elements to help the Knights succeed both on and off the court: college and professional playing experience, postseason appearances, knowledge of the ins and outs of the game and most importantly, a passion for UCF tennis. One of the most respected coaches in the country, Cashman is in his 11th season at UCF. The Knights have enjoyed great success since he began his tenure in 2000. He has guided three of his squads to conference titles and berths in the postseason. Cashman has also helped his players enjoy great individual success. He has mentored dozens of all-conference honorees and two league player of the year recipients. Cashman has helped the Knights become fixtures in the national rankings. His 2002 squad climbed to No. 47 nationally, the highest spot in school history. On the collegiate level, Cashman played at Miami-Dade Community College before moving to Barry. After college, he played professionally and was ranked as high as fourth in the men’s open division in the Sunshine State. Zieziula is in his second campaign in Orlando. He was a standout player at Buffalo. When he concluded his four-year career in 2005, he was the Bulls’ all-time leader in both singles wins and doubles victories. Before heading to UCF, he served as an assistant at his alma mater.
POSTSEASON PLAY During his time with the Knights, Bobby Cashman has led his team to the NCAA Championship three times. Most recently, his 2005 squad participated in the postseason after winning the conference title. Before Cashman arrived in Orlando, the Knights had never earned an invitation to the NCAA Championship.
UCF TENNIS COMPLEX The Knights utilize the intimate UCF Tennis Complex for matches and practices. The facility has served as the program’s home since 2001. During the summer of 2005, the complex was given a facelift when it was resurfaced and 80 permanent seats were added for spectators at the championship court. The facility includes seven wind-screened hardcourts with four shaded benches. The UCF Tennis Complex is located near the Academic Village housing community. The complex is also within close proximity to UCF’s state-of-the-art Recreation and Wellness Center, one of the busiest buildings on campus. The center’s popular leisure pool is adjacent to the tennis complex. The Knights have claimed 29 matches at home since the venue was renovated. Because of the region’s warm temperatures, the Knights annually host some of the nation’s top squads in Orlando. In recent years, UCF has faced programs like Denver, Miami and Utah at home. In the spring of 2009, the Knights hosted the Conference USA Championship at the facility. The event marked the first time that UCF hosted a league tennis tournament on campus. All eight of the C-USA schools that sponsor men’s tennis were in action at the championship.
ON THE COURT The men’s tennis team enjoys the convienent location of the UCF Tennis Complex in relation to where they live and take classes.
EXCELLENCE ON AND OFF THE COURT Under head coach Bobby Cashman, the UCF men’s tennis team has experienced unprecedented academic achievement. Since Cashman arrived in Orlando prior to the 2000 season, UCF student-athletes have earned Intercollegiate Tennis Association ScholarAthlete recognition on 13 occasions. Two times under Cashman, the Knights have been honored as an ITA Academic All-America Team. At UCF, a student-athlete’s success on the tennis courts is evenly matched in the classroom. “The combination of athletics and academics is important,” Cashman said. “In order to succeed at a great school like UCF, a studentathlete must handle the workload academically in order to be successful on the tennis court. I expect my players to be true studentathletes.” Following the 2009 spring season, six Knights were named to the Conference USA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll with a gradepoint average of 3.00 or higher. On the list were five returning players: Brock Sakey, Blaze Schwartz, Claudio Romano, Joe Delinks and Eugene Dolgovykh. Since the Knights began competing in the league in 2006, UCF student-athletes have been selected to the commissioner’s academic honor roll on 18 occasions. UCF student-athletes are supported by a nine-person professional staff of advisors and counselors from the Office of Academic Services for Student-Athletes. The ASSA mission is to support student-athletes’ academic development, personal growth and career planning, while maintaining statisfactory progress toward their degree. ASSA advisors offer admissions counseling for incoming studentathletes, plan tutoring and organized study sessions, and also coordinate priority class registration. UCF student-athletes also receive a special academic/athletic orientation, study skills and time management instruction, career planning advice and job placement assistance.
CONFERENCE USA Conference USA features 12 nationally prominent, tradition-rich members in East Carolina, Houston, Marshall, Memphis, Rice, SMU, Southern Miss, Tulane, Tulsa, UAB, UCF and UTEP. All C-USA institutions sponsor football, along with several other men’s and women’s athletic programs, many which compete regularly for NCAA Championships. C-USA sponsors competition in 19 sports – nine for men (baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, tennis and indoor and outdoor track and field) and 10 for women (basketball, cross country, golf, softball, soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, indoor and outdoor track and field and volleyball). The conference’s footprint is concentrated with 12 members in nine states and a combined area population of nearly 17 million. Along with the ACC, Big East, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-10 and SEC, C-USA is one of the seven conferences having significant representation in the NCAA governance structure. C-USA was formed in 1995 and quickly emerged as one of the nation’s top conferences. The league’s charter members included Charlotte, Cincinnati, DePaul, Houston, Louisville, Marquette, Memphis, Saint Louis, Southern Miss, Tulane, UAB and USF. Britton Banowsky was named commissioner in 2002, succeeding Mike Slive, the league’s first leader. After celebrating its 10th anniversary during the 2004-05 season, C-USA began a new chapter the following year when its current membership came together to form the new look of the league.
UCF - THE OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME UCF is the university that seeks opportunities, creates opportunities and brings them to fruition. The school’s culture of opportunity is driven by the diverse people it attracts, its Orlando environment, its history of entrepreneurship, and its youth, relevance and energy. Located in one of the most vibrant cities in the world, UCF is among the fastestgrowing research universities in the country.
UCF offers degrees through its 12 colleges: College of Arts and Humanities The Burnett Honors College College of Business Administration College of Education College of Engineering and Computer Science College of Graduate Studies College of Health and Public Affairs College of Medicine College of Nursing College of Optics and Photonics Rosen College of Hospitality Management College of Sciences
One of Florida’s 11 public universities, UCF opened its doors to students in 1968. The school has grown quickly and UCF now offers almost 200 bachelor’s and master’s degrees and 29 doctoral programs. UCF began offering a doctor of medicine degree program in 2009. The M.D. Program enrolled an initial class of 41 students and will eventually produce about 120 medical graduates each year.
FORGING AHEAD With a total enrollment of 53,537, UCF has the third-largest student population in the country and has become a prominent player in undergraduate education nationwide offering innovative corporate partnerships, worldrenowned faculty and cutting-edge technology and undergraduate research opportunities.
UCF - THE OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME
University Profile Student Population: 53, 537 Undergraduate Enrollment: 45,301 Graduate: 8,195 Student/Faculty Ratio: 24 to 1
We have a talented and unique student body. UCF has a diverse student body, with students coming from 63 Florida counties, 50 states and 142 countries.
We have connections. Internationally known companies such as Disney, Universal, Google, Marriott, Anheuser-Busch and many others recruit on the campus regularly and are partners with the university. We’ll help you land a job. Our career services professionals help students gain practical work knowledge during their collegiate experience at schools, hospitals, high-tech companies, local municipalities and in the entertainment industry. Students typically enjoy success in landing employment thanks to their due diligence, their preparation at UCF and the university’s fine reputation among employers.
CHARGING KNIGHT Don Reynolds’ statue, “The Charging Knight,” at the Insurance Office of America Plaza outside Bright House Networks Stadium, symbolizes UCF’s excellence in academics, partnerships and athletics.
CAMPUS LIFE UCF’s 1,415-acre campus provides a safe, serene setting for learning with 600 acres of natural lakes and woodlands. At UCF, there is always something to do. Students attend Division I athletics events, concerts and shows at the UCF Arena and are offered a wide array of cultural events and opportunities. Personal development programs and activities in a broad range of educational, recreational and social-awareness topics allow students a chance to expand their understanding of the world. Among the activities available to all students are an 85,000-square foot recreational fitness center, a 181,000-gallon outdoor recreational pool and nine sandy beach volleyball courts. UCF’s exciting campus includes a variety of on-campus residential communities, and the addition of new housing, a new alumni center and a full-service medical clinic provides expanded opportunities for activities.
TOWERS AT KNIGHT PLAZA Many UCF student-athletes reside on campus at the Towers at Knight Plaza; modern apartment-style dormitories on the north side of campus, allowing the Knights to live within close proximity to the UCF Arena and UCF’s other athletics facilities. The apartments feature common kitchen and living room areas as well as four single bedrooms with full-size beds. Each bedroom includes high-speed internet access, cable television and local phone service. The Towers at Knights Plaza feature 100,000 square feet of retail shops and restaurants. Tenants include Barnes & Noble bookstore, Subway and Knightro’s cafeteria, where UCF student-athletes dine. The apartments are located near the majority of athletic facilities, including The Venue at UCF, Bright House Networks Stadium, the UCF Arena, Jay Bergman Field, the UCF Softball Complex and the UCF Track and Field and Soccer Complex. The Towers at Knights Plaza are also in close proximity to the Wayne Densch Sports Center and Nicholson Field House.
WELCOME TO ORLANDO UCF students have easy access to one of the world’s most vibrant cities – Orlando. Looking for theme parks, attractions, museums, world-class shopping, great restaurants, golf courses, jogging trails and nature preserves? You can find it all here in Orlando. Orlando is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world. In 2007, 48.8 million visitors traveled to the region. Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Orlando and Sea World are just a short drive away from the UCF campus. The Kennedy Space Center, state parks and sandy beaches off the coast of the Atlantic Ocean are also all nearby. Orlando is a frequent destination for today’s top national musical acts, who visit popular venues like Hard Rock Live at Universal’s CityWalk and House of Blues, which is located at Downtown Disney. The city’s world-renowned theme parks have added a variety of new entertainment experiences, including Disney’s Cirque de Soleil and Universal’s Blue Man Group performances. Beyond the theme parks, downtown Orlando features an ever-changing skyline, fine dining options and a newly developed arts district. Cultural destinations in the city include the Orlando Museum of Art, the Orange County Regional History Center and Lake Eola Park.
SUNSHINE STATE One of the area’s biggest attractions is its year round mild weather. At the heart of the Sunshine State, the region’s average annual temperature is a comfortable 72.4 degrees.
DR. JOHN C. HITT • PRESIDENT John C. Hitt became the fourth president of the University of Central Florida on March 1, 1992, after nineteen years of administrative experience and a distinguished academic career. A native of Houston, Texas, he graduated cum laude in 1962 from Austin College in Sherman, Texas, earning a B.A. degree in psychology. He completed his M.S. degree in 1964 and his Ph.D. degree two years later, both in physiological psychology at Tulane University. His graduate study was supported by fellowships from the Danforth Foundation and the National Science Foundation. Dr. Hitt served as an assistant professor of psychology at Tulane before moving to Texas Christian University as an associate professor of psychology in 1969. Three years later, he became associate dean of the university. In 1974, he was appointed vice president of the Texas Christian University Research Foundation and was named dean of the graduate school in 1975. In 1977, Dr. Hitt left Texas Christian University to become provost and vice president for academic affairs and professor of psychology at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. In 1987, he moved to the University of Maine as vice president for academic affairs and professor of psychology. In 1991, Dr. Hitt was named Maine’s interim president.
FIVE GOALS
Early in his tenure, President Hitt outlined the following five major goals for UCF: • Offer the best undergraduate education in Florida • Achieve international prominence in key programs of graduate study and research • Provide an international focus to the curricula and research programs • Become more inclusive and diverse • Become America’s leading partnership university Under President Hitt ’s leadership, enrollment at UCF has more than doubled, the number of doctoral degrees awarded each year has increased sevenfold, and research funding has increased from $6.2 million to $121 million a year. President Hitt has conferred more than 130,000 degrees during his presidency. One of President Hitt ’s greatest achievements occurred when the Florida Board of Governors approved the UCF College of Medicine, and the Lake Nona Medical City was founded. This multi-billion dollar development includes new facilities for medical education, hospital care, and biomedical research. The Lake Nona Medical City will be a principal driver of the central Florida economy for decades to come. President Hitt ’s current civic service includes membership on the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission Fundraising Campaign leadership cabinet and the MD Anderson Cancer Center Orlando’s Council of Governors. He serves on the boards of the American Heart Association, Central Florida Partnership, the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission, SunTrust N.A., and United Arts. President Hitt is a member of the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment Leadership Circle. He is also a member, vice-chair, and chair-elect of the Conference USA Board of Directors. President Hitt is two-term past-chair of the State University Presidents Association, a member of the Florida Council of 100, and founder of the Florida High-Tech Corridor Council. He is a two-term past-president of the Florida Association of Colleges and Universities. He chaired the Governor’s Select Task Force on Healthcare Professional Liability Insurance and was a member of the Florida Distance Learning Task Force. He was a member of the Orange County Chairman’s Transportation Commission, and in 2008, he co-chaired the Orange County Underage Drinking Task Force. President Hitt is a former member of the boards of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, EDUCAUSE, Orlando Health, and the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce. He is a former member of the NCAA President’s Commission and the former Chair of Board of the Atlantic Sun Athletics Conference. In recent years, the Central Florida community has honored President Hitt with a number of prestigious awards. He was the recipient of the 2008 Junior Achievement Spirit of Achievement Award. He has been listed for a number of years among the Orlando Sentinel’s 25 Most Powerful People in Central Florida and the Orlando Magazine’s 50 Most Powerful People. He received the Seminole Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement award in 2007. In 2006, he received the Orlando Business Journal’s first-ever Legacy Award, and in 2005 he was named the Orlando Sentinel’s Central Floridian of the Year. In 2002, he received the James B. Greene award from the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission; in 1999, he was awarded the Tree of Life from the Jewish National Fund and the Jack Halloway Star of Gratitude from United Cerebral Palsy of Central Florida; and in 1998, he earned the John Young Award from the Greater Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce. President Hitt is an avid fisherman and golfer. He has been married to the former Martha Halsted for 47 years, and they have two children and two grandchildren.
KEITH R. TRIBBLE • DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS The thread that has bridged together nearly three decades working in and around the collegiate community has been Keith Tribble’s history of building programs with strong foundations and dynamic structure. Since his start as Director of Athletics and Executive Vice President for the University of Central Florida Athletics Association on June 6, 2006, Tribble has quickly taken hold of the program’s blueprints and promised to lead with a principle that everyone associated with the program will also share - to “finish.”
Keith Tribble is committed to the concept of the well-rounded studentathlete, emphasizing the importance of their academic prowess off the field as well as championship results on.
COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE
In addition, the other focal point of his concentration is the oversight of the construction, expansion and completion of the noted UCF Athletics Facilities Master Plan. When finished, the plan will touch all areas of the student-athletes’ wellbeing, including residential housing, academic and mentoring support facilities and state-of-the-art performance venues where UCF fans and supporters can cheer on the Knights. To date, Tribble has overseen $150 million in new construction and improvements to UCF athletic facilities since his arrival. Through a renewed commitment, Tribble has been most proud of the record academic achievement of the UCF student-athletes during his time in Orlando. The Knights, for the third-straight year in 2008-09, placed the highest number of student-athletes on the Conference USA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll with 224 representatives maintaining a 3.0 grade-point average or better. Much of UCF Athletics went from transitioning into C-USA to competing for its titles in just a few short years. The football program has played for two C-USA titles since 2005, winning the championship and coveted AutoZone Liberty Bowl berth in 2007. In 2007-08, other programs such as women’s soccer and softball, and members of women’s track and field, claimed C-USA titles. In 2008-09, men’s golf reigned over the league, in addition to a big league tournament championship from women’s basketball. Over half of the programs have competed in NCAA postseason tournaments the past two years.
David Chambers
David Hansen
Successful student-athletes start with top-notch coaching and at UCF the commitment to coaching excellence has been evident. Among Tribble’s transactions so far has been the renewal of several successful veteran coaches, including Amanda Cromwell (women’s soccer), Renee Luers-Gillispie (softball), George O’Leary (football) and Kirk Speraw (men’s basketball). Additionally, Tribble was instrumental in the hiring of several new head coaches, including Bryan Cunningham (men’s soccer), Todd Dagenais (volleyball), Becky Cramer (rowing), Stephanie Nickitas (women’s tennis), Terry Rooney (baseball), Caryl Smith-Gilbert (track and field/cross country) and Joi Williams (women’s basketball).
Jeff Ulmer
Tribble attended the University of Florida where he played offensive guard for three bowl teams. He graduated in 1977 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism (public relations and marketing). Tribble and his wife, Terri, have a daughter, Carlyn, and a son, Kyle.
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION Jessica Reo
BRIGHT HOUSE NETWORKS STADIUM
UCF ARENA
ATHLETICS FACILITIES UCF SOFTBALL COMPLEX
UCF SOCCER COMPLEX
From Bright House Networks Stadium to the UCF Arena, UCF student-athletes play and train in top-notch venues. The school’s always growing and improving athletics complex is part of UCF’s commitment to provide student-athletes with exceptional and modern facilities. In the past few years, this commitment has assured that the UCF athletics facilities are not only among the best in Conference USA, but across the nation. The 45,000-seat Bright House Networks Stadium, the home of the UCF football program, shared its debut season on campus in 2007 with another brand new facility - the UCF Arena. Home to the Knights’ men’s and women’s basketball programs, the 10,000-seat venue also opened in the fall of 2007. The arena, which also hosts concerts and UCF commencement ceremonies, includes luxury boxes and suites, open concourse areas and numerous concession options.
THE VENUE AT UCF
NICHOLSON FIELDHOUSE
Other facilities that have seen upgrades in recent years are Jay Bergman Field – home to the baseball program - and The Venue at UCF, the renovated previous arena which now houses exclusive modern practice facilities and offices for the men’s and women’s basketball programs, as well as an equally-spacious home facility for volleyball. Off campus, two new facilities opened in 2009 - the UCF Intercollegiate Rowing Center and the UCF Golf Practice Facility. UCF ROWING CENTER
UCF’s Facilities Master Plan includes numerous facility enhancements in the coming years, including the planned construction of a new stadium and entrance structure at the UCF Soccer and Track and the expansion of Jay Bergman Field. The vision for a new academic services center is imminent, one which will provide student-athletes greater access to resources near their new Athletics Village residences, and further assist their progress towards their degrees and post-graduate success.
UCF TRACK & FIELD COMPLEX
When UCF Athletics completes its Facilities Master Plan during the next decade, every sport and every student-athlete will have received the benefit of an improved facility to practice, train and compete for championships in. UCF GOLF PRACTICE FACILITY
JAY BERGMAN FIELD
UCF TENNIS COMPLEX
STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING/SPORTS MEDICINE Strength and conditioning is a key aspect of UCF’s successful men’s tennis program. The Knights utilize a state-of-the-art weight room. An 11,200-square foot facility inside the Wayne Densch Sports Center provides the Knights with one of the best strength training venues in the country. The facility contains the finest free weight and machine equipment, cardio equipment and treadmills. UCF’s sports medicine staff also works out of the Wayne Densch Sports Center. The sports medicine facility is equipped with the latest in aquatic technology, including a SwimEx pool, which is used for both treatment and rehabilitation, helping student-athletes return to competition quickly and safely. In addition to providing the finest medical care for the UCF men’s tennis program, the UCF sports medicine staff, under the direction of Jen Scalin Perez, helps ensure the welfare of student-athletes from 16 different sports. UCF’s sports medicine staff also strives to provide leadership in education for athletic training students through quality didactic and clinical experiences. The UCF sports medicine staff serves as a major intellectual and creative resource for the Knights, develops interactive partnerships with allied health professionals and participates in the exploration and development of the student-athlete’s health and well being.
STELLAR FACILITY UCF’s sports medicine center is located inside the Wayne Densch Sports Center. The Wayne Densch Sports Center opened in 2003.
UCF KNIGHTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS A WINNING PROGRAM - 1 Under head coach Bobby Cashman, UCF is a nationally-recognized program. AN EXPERIENCED STAFF - 2 UCF’s coaching staff features a unique blend of unparalled experience and youthful vigor. UCF TENNIS COMPLEX - 3 In 2009 the facility hosted the Conference USA Championship. EXCELLENCE ON AND OFF THE COURT - 4 UCF student-athletes are also excelling in the classroom. CONFERENCE USA - 5 UCF joined the league in 2005. THE UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA - 6-7 With an enrollment of over 50,000, UCF is one of the fastest-growing schools in the country. CAMPUS LIFE/TOWERS AT KNIGHTS PLAZA - 8 With such a diverse campus, there are events for all students. ORLANDO - 9 UCF is located in one of the most vibrant cities in the world. UCF PRESIDENT JOHN C. HITT - 10 UCF President John C. Hitt has transformed UCF into one of the nation’s top universities. UCF DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS KEITH R. TRIBBLE - 11 Keith R. Tribble has spearheaded tremendous growth within UCF Athletics. UCF ATHLETICS FACILITIES - 12 UCF has some of the finest athletics facilities in the nation, including new basketball and football venues. STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING/SPORTS MEDICINE - 13 UCF’s strength and conditioning and sports medicine facilities are located inside the Wayne Densch Sports Center. TABLE OF CONTENTS/QUICK FACTS - 14 HEAD COACH BOBBY CASHMAN - 15 The veteran coach is in his 11th year at the helm of the Knights. UCF TENNIS STAFF - 16 Nick Zieziula is in his second campaign as an assistant coach at UCF. SEASON PREVIEW/ROSTER - 17 The Knights are looking for more success in Conference USA in 2010. JOHAN BEIGART/MARC ROCAFORT - 18 Two of the three seniors on the UCF roster. BROCK SAKEY/BLAZE SCHWARTZ-- 19 Sakey and Schwartz are expected to make a huge splash in singles play this season. JOE DELINKS/EUGENE DOLGOVYKH - 20 The pair is expected to contribute for the Knights in 2010. CLAUDIO ROMANO/MARIO SAMSON - 21 With strong underclassmen the Knights are well prepared for the spring. PROGRAM HISTORY - 22-23 The UCF program began in 1972. CHAMPIONSHIP TEAMS - 24 The Knights participated in the NCAA Championships in 2003, 2004 and 2005.
Senior Johan Beigart has been named to the All-Conference USA Second Team on two occasions.
The Knights hosted the C-USA Championship in 2009 at the UCF Tennis Complex.
UCF INFORMATION Location Founded Enrollment Nickname Colors Conference Home Facility President Director of Athletics NCAA Faculty Representative Athletics Phone
Orlando, Fla. 1963 53,537 Knights Black and Gold Conference USA UCF Tennis Complex Dr. John C. Hitt Keith R. Tribble Dr. Consuelo Stebbins (407) 823-4114
COACHING STAFF Head Coach Bobby Cashman Alma Mater/Year Barry/1989 Year at UCF/Overall 11th/11th UCF Record/Career Record 136-87/Same Phone (407) 823-2257 E-mail rcashman@athletics.ucf.edu Fax (407) 823-5293 Assistant Coach Nick Zieziula Alma Mater/Year Buffalo/2005 E-mail nzieziula@athletics.ucf.edu Phone (407) 823-2257
14
TEAM INFORMATION 2009 Record Letterwinners Returning
10-11 5
ATHLETICS COMMUNICATIONS Associate Director/Men’s Tennis Doug Richards Phone (407) 823-2142 E-mail drichards@athletics.ucf.edu Student Assistant Sarah Bishop Phone (352) 317-1353 E-mail sbishop@athletics.ucf.edu Fax (407) 823-5293 Mailing Address PO Box 163555 Orlando, Fla. 32816 Web Site UCFAthletics.com The 2010 UCF Men’s Tennis Yearbook was written and designed by Sarah Bishop. Editorial assistance provided by Doug Richards, Joe Hornstein, Andrew Gavin, Brian Ormiston, Leigh Torbin and Sarah Tarasewicz. Covers designed by Doug Richards and Sarah Bishop. Photographs provided by Sideline Sports (UCFphotos.com), Jay Hatch, UCF University Marketing and the Orlando/Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Head coach Bobby Cashman’s team will face eight squads that finished the 2009 season ranked in the top 75 in the country.
MEN’S TENNIS
BOBBY CASHMAN • HEAD COACH • 11th SEASON In 11 years at UCF, Bobby Cashman has enjoyed unprecedented ted success as the Knights' head coach. Cash Cashman hman has nship as he has built UCF into not only a consistent consistent guided his teams to three appearances in the NCAA Championship winner on the regional level, but also a nationally-recognized program. ecord. In addition to guiding three of his squads squ o Since arriving in Orlando in 1999, Cashman has a 136-87 record. to conference titles and berths in the postseason, Cashman hass helped his players enjoy great gr g eat individual in indiv dividu ual success. su cess. suc s off the the yea yearr aand nd 17 all-co onfe nferen r cee He has mentored two conference players of the year, three league freshmen o all-conference honorees. UCF enjoyed a successful campaign in 2009. The Knights entered onal tered thee Intercollegiate Interc Int ercoll olleg egiate ate Tennis Association nationa al rankings in March after a win over No. 59 Florida Atlantic. Under Cashman's er Cas Cashma hman's n's guidance, gu g idance, Blaze Schwartz, who recorded 15 victories in dual-match play, earned a spot on thee All-Conference All-Co -Confe feren rence ce USA S Second Team. UCF also shined off the courts during the campaign. Severall Knights Knig nights hts received re recei ceived C-USA Commissioner's Academic ic Honor Roll status. With a rigorous schedule in 2008, Cashman used the fall season son to to help help prepare his team for what what lay ay ahead. ahead a . The Th Knights played in tournaments against some of the nation's top op teams, tea eams, ms, such as Alabama, Alabam ma,, Arizona, Ar zon Ari ona, a, Florida, Florid Flo rida, a, Florida Florid Flo ridaa State and Wisconsin. The plan paid off as UCF advanced past the quarterfinals of thee C-USA mee ssince C-U -USA SA Championship C mpiions Cha n hip for for the the fir firrst stt tim inc ince nce joining join oining i ing the league. Getting to the tournament was not easy, though. Thee Knights onallyKn Knig ights played yed nine nine matches mattche hees against agai agai a nstt nati na natio tional o n lynal y ranked opponents, but Cashman's young team claimed three of them. them the m. UCF finished hed the the 2008 2008 00 08 8 season se seaso aso so on with with a 12-9 12-9 record. In 2008, the Knights broke into the Fila Collegiate Tennis Rankings season, kings gs for for the t second-consecuti second-co -conse nseecutive v seaso se eaaso son,, following fo low fol o ing ow ing a 5-2 home win against No. 51 Tennessee Tech. For the second-straight year, one of Cashman’s youngest players, ayers, Johan Johan Beigart,, was selected sele e cteed to to the the all-league a -le all leeagu agg e second team. Cashman challenged the sophomore to play at the top and did to t p of of the the lineup lin and the thee Sweden S den nati Swe n tive na ve d id d not ot disappoint. Beigart recorded three victories at the No. 1 spot and posted po poste sted d an a impressive impr mpress essive ivee 4-0 4-0 mark mark ma ark at No. No N . 3. 3. In 2007, the Knights spent eight weeks in the national rankings, onally gs, reaching reach ching ng as high as 62nd. 62nd. UCF traditi tr t adi d tiona ditio o nal ally lyy plays plays pla y a difficult schedule and that year was no different. The team faced ed seven na nationally-ranked d squads squads ds and an and claimed clai clai la m med d three th hreee victories. Overall, the team went 12-12. The Knights faced six nationally-ranked opponents, includingg two matchess against agains aga instt top-25 top-25 squads ads on n the the road, road, oad ad, in in 2006 and went 11-10. Playing in C-USA for the first time, the Knights contests nights won three off four four co conte ntests sts against ag again ainst inst league league foes. foes fo f es. s Two of Cashman's players garnered all-conference recognition named Freshman n as Brock Sakey was name amed d tthe he C-USA Fre reshm shman an of o the Year and Sinan Sudas earned a spot on the all-league second nd team. In its final campaign in the Atlantic Sun Conference in 2005,, UCF finished the season with with a 14-9 14-9 record. re recor cord. d. Aft After er Cashman's squad claimed the A-Sun Championship title and Championship, d a berth in the NCAA Champio pionsh s ip, p, he earned earneed conference coach of the year honors. All three of UCF's trips to o the postseason have come under Cashman. Cashm man. In 2004, Cashman guided the Knights to their second-consecuti automati utive A-Sun title, earning the league's autom tomatic bid to the NCAA Championship. When UCF took the 2003 conference ence crown, it marked the first league titlee in school history. UCF went 15-9 in 2004. A pair of players, Catalin Bradu and rst-team nd Antonio Sierra, earned all-conference fi first-team honors. Joel Allen and Ener Gursoy took spots on the second d team. For the second-straight season, the th he squad capped its year with a trip to the NCAA Championship. In 2003, Cashman was named the A-Sun Coach of the Year aft fter guiding his team to a 20-4 record and d a perfect 5-0 showing in conference matches. Bradu garnered the player er of the year award and Gursoy took thee freshman of the year honor. Cashman guided UCF to one of the finest campaigns in school ol history in 2002. On their way to a 17-4 overall and 6-1 A-Sun record, the Knights climbed to No. 47 in the national history. al rankings, the highest spot in school hist tory. After arriving on the UCF campus in 1999, Cashman's Knights ts faced the toughest schedule in school history and finished the season with an 11-12 mark. One year later, he brought rought a more experienced team and two tw wo talented freshmen into the 2001 season. That squad ended the year 14-7 overall and posted upset victories over over No. 45 UAB, No. 59 Penn State and No. 70 Georgia State. During his tenure, Cashman's teams have dominated conference tion. Prior to leaving the league, rence competi competition leeague the Knights played in five straight A-Sun title matches. In its final four years in the conference, UCF was 18-2 against league foes in regular season matches - the best mark of any A-Sun team. Four Knights that Cashman coached won at least 60 matches during their collegiate careers. In fact, the fourwinningest players in school history all played for Cashman. Sierra concluded his career with 75 wins, the most victories in program history. In addition to success on the court, Cashman has also stressed academic excellence to his players. Twice, his squads have earned academic team All-America recognition from the ITA. Additionally, Cashman has had players earn ITA Scholar-Athlete All-America honors on 11 occasions. A pair of UCF players, Johan Westin (2002) and Bradu (2004), earned academic all-district recognition by ESPN The Magazine. Collegiately, Cashman played at Miami-Dade Community College before moving to Barry. After college, he played professionally and was ranked as high as fourth in the men's open division in Florida. In 1993, he returned to Barry as an associate head coach. Following his stint at Barry, he spent two years as the assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Kansas. A member of the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Cashman has also volunteered his time at the Lipton Tennis Tournament in Miami, working a series of free clinics for inner-city children. He also taught fifth grade at St. James Elementary School from 1993-95. Cashman, who earned his degree in human resource development and leadership from Barry in 1995, is married to the former Amy Blunck. The couple resides in Oviedo with their three children - Ryan, Patrick and Grace.
COACHING RECORD AT UCF: Year Record 2000 11-12 2001 14-7 2002 17-4 2003 20-4 2004 15-9 2005 13-9 2006 11-10 2007 12-12 2008 12-9 2009 10-11 Total 136-87
Pct. .478 .667 .810 .833 .625 .591 .524 .500 .571 .476 .610
15
UCF KNIGHTS
TENNIS STAFF
NICK ZIEZIULA Assistant Coach • Second Season Nick Zieziula is in his second campaign as an assistant coach at UCF. He joined the UCF staff in July 2008 after three seasons as an assistant at Buffalo. With the Knights, Zieziula assists with recruiting, practice organization and individual instruction. He is also responsible for managing the Knights’ video analysis. In his first year in Orlando, Zieziula helped the Knights enjoy a successful campaign. UCF entered the national rankings in March after a win over No. 59 Florida Atlantic. Zieziula mentored Blaze Schwartz, who recorded 15 victories in dual-match play and earned a spot on the All-Conference USA Second Team. UCF also shined off the courts in 2008-09 as six Knights received C-USA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll status. Zieziula was a standout student-athlete at Buffalo. When he concluded his four-year career in 2005, he was the Bulls’ all-time leader in both singles wins (69) and doubles victories (65) at the Division I level. As a senior, he garnered All-Mid-American Conference Second Team honors. Zieziula was a UB Scholar Athlete and an Academic All-MAC honoree in 2003-04. He earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology. During his time as an assistant at his alma mater, Zieziula also served as a part-owner of a pro shop and worked as a teaching professional.
BEN FLEMING Strength & Conditioning • Second Season Ben Fleming is in his second year as an assistant strength and conditioning coach. He supervises the strength and conditioning programs for men’s and women’s golf, rowing, cross country, men’s and women’s tennis and cheerleading. He is a certified strength and conditioning coach (SCCC) by the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association (CSCCA) of which he is also a member. He holds a level one coaching certification from USA Weightlifting as well as being Etcheberry Certified by Pat Etcheberry, one of the top tennis and golf strength and conditioning coaches in the world. Fleming earned a bachelor’s of science in parks and recreation administration from Wingate where he was also a member of the soccer team. In 2009, he earned a master’s degree in health/wellness and applied exercise physiology from UCF.
SHELBY BALL Academic Advisor • First Season Shelby Ball is in her first year at UCF. As a coordinator of academic advising services at Academic Services for Student-Athletes, she oversees men’s soccer, men’s tennis and varsity rowing. She also manages the SABRE Center Computer Lab, and is an active member of the National Association for Academic Advisors (N4A). Ball earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Texas in 2007. She went on to attain an AACSB-Accredited M.B.A in Sport Management from Florida Atlantic. In the process of earning her master’s degree, she served as an intern at the Student-Athlete Center for Academic Excellence at FAU, where she mentored, tutored and advised football and basketball student-athletes, in addition to the university’s other NCAA-sponsored athletic teams. 16
MEN’S TENNIS
2010 PREVIEW Looking forward to the spring season, UCF head coach Bobby Cashman believes that the time has arrived for the Knights to take the spotlight in Conference USA. “I am excited for them as a group; we have been waiting patiently for years. We really want it, they really want it, you can tell. They are hungry to prove that they are a viable option.” After five successful tournaments in the fall, the Knights are moving confidently into their spring campaign. “During the fall, our levels of play picked up once everyone was more comfortable and match ready. The team finished on a positive note which was good for the level of play they faced,” noted Cashman. This year is unique for the Knights; they have an older team. With three seniors and two juniors, depth will be a key role. “There will always be a teammate there to step up and win,” said Cashman. Senior Johan Beigart returns for his final collegiate campaign after registering an 11-9 mark last spring that included a 7-2 record at the No. 4 spot. Beigart also went 7-1 in doubles competition with Blaze Schwartz. “He is one of our interchangeable players, making him an asset,” noted Cashman. “In Beigart you see unique strengths you do not see in any of the other players.” Two seniors are also returning strong after injuries last spring – Marc Rocafort and Brock Sakey. With Sakey only able to play in two tournaments and Rocafort’s arduous season last spring, Cashman has the Knights being extra careful with workouts. Letting them rest when they are tired, trying to prevent injuries, with what they call “prehab.” “Brock is healthy and got a lot of playing time this fall,” said Cashman. “Marc is finally serving like he used to – bigger and better, now winning that free point.” After being selected to the All-C-USA Second Team in 2009, Schwartz is ready for the competition ahead. Schwartz led UCF with a 15-6 singles mark, including 9-6 at No. 3 and 5-0 at No. 4, last spring. After his undefeated run with Rocafort in doubles at the USF Invitational in the fall, Cashman is sure that they will be ranked this spring. “After some inconsistency this fall, Blaze played well in the end,” added Cashman. “He has improved on all the things we have been working on.” After sitting out the entire 2009 spring season due to injury, sophomore Claudio Romano worked hard last fall in preparation for the spring. “Claudio puts a lot more into the game than expected. He is tough on himself, he feels comfortable during play, and has been hitting the ball well,” raved Cashman. Last season, Joe Delinks and Eugene Dolgovykh were two key members of the team as freshmen. Delinks recorded six singles wins last spring, and Dolgovykh won two matches at the C-USA shootout. Together the two took the doubles draw title at the FSU Invitational during the fall. In the fall, freshman Mario Samson was able to compete for the first time. Samson finished the fall campaign with a winning record, taking the singles D crown at the UCF Invitational. “The younger players will allow me to be able to rest some guys, which we haven’t been able to do in the past. They will definitely see playing time,” noted Cashman. “As the youngest player, Mario has grown quicker than I thought, not just physically, but he has also matured a lot being around serious players.” With the return of many strong players, the Knights hope to keep up the momentum from the fall campaign and move confidently into the spring. The squad will begin the season at the USF Spring Invitational. After their trip to Tampa, the schedule does not get any easier as the team travels to Gainesville where they will meet No. 11 Florida. The Knights will face eight squads that finished the 2009 campaign ranked among the top-75 teams in the country. “We have chances with ranked teams throughout the season, some of which we saw in the fall. Now we have to believe we are a good team,” said Cashman. “The team will keep it competitive because they care about each other.” 2010 ROSTER Name Johan Beigart Joe Delinks Eugene Dolgovykh Marc Rocafort Claudio Romano Brock Sakey Mario Samson Blaze Schwartz
Class Sr. So. So. Sr. So. Sr. Fr. Jr.
Height 6-3 6-0 6-2 6-4 6-1 6-3 5-10 5-10
Hometown/Previous School Vaxjo, Sweden/Katedralskolan Falmouth, Mass./Falmouth Palm Coast, Fla./Matanzas Barcelona, Spain/Middle Tennessee Valencia, Venezuela Gulf Breeze, Fla./Gulf Breeze Miami, Fla./La Salle Pensacola, Fla./Washington
Senior Brock Sakey is ready for the spring slate after an injury that kept him out of the lineup last spring.
Junior Blaze Schwartz was selected to the AllConference USA Second Team in 2009 after leading UCF with a 15-6 singles mark. 17
UCF KNIGHTS
JOHAN BEIGART Senior • 6-3 • Vaxjo, Sweden • Katedralskolan
2009 - FALL SEASON • Won two matches at the FSU Invitational, including a 6-3, 7-6 (4) victory over Florida State’s Anderson Reed • With Blaze Schwartz, posted an 8-2 win over Florida State’s Aaron May and Anderson Reed • With Mario Samson, defeated South Carolina’s David Wolff and Chris Sheehan at the UCF Invitational, 8-5 • Along with Joe Delinks had two doubles wins at the USF Invitational over Miami and USF 2008-2009 SEASON • Recorded an 11-9 mark in the spring • At the No. 4 spot, went 7-2 in the spring • Went 3-0 at No. 4 at the Conference USA Shootout • Posted a 6-3, 6-3 win at No. 4 over Denis Ermilov of No. 70 East Carolina • Against Samford, topped Carson Kadi (6-3, 6-3) at No. 2 • Went 7-1 in doubles competition with Blaze Schwartz • The pair was 5-1 at the No. 1 position • With Schwartz, posted a 9-8 (7-4) win over 53rdranked Darren Walsh and Adham el-Effendi at No. 1 at the C-USA Championship • Joined Schwartz to go 3-0 at No. 1 at the C-USA Shootout • Went 5-4 in tournament play in the fall • In doubles action, went 3-2 2007-2008 SEASON • Selected to the All-Conference USA Second Team • Won nine contests in dual-match play
• Went 4-0 at the No. 3 spot in the spring • Rallied to post a 1-6, 7-5, 6-3 win at No. 3 over Corey Smith of No. 72 Florida Atlantic • Eased to a 6-2, 7-5 win against No. 36 USF’s Jamaal Adderly • At No. 2, knocked off Cornell’s Joshua Goldstein (3-6, 6-2, 6-2) • Won two matches at the C-USA Shootout, including a 6-2, 6-3 victory at No. 1 over UAB’s Hans Spangenberg • In doubles play, recorded an 11-7 record with Brock Sakey • Also went 3-0 with Niko Overkemping at No. 1 • With Overkemping, won at No. 1 against No. 70 UAB’s Tyrone Ewels and Slawomir Szermeta, 8-4, at the C-USA Championship • With Overkemping, knocked off No. 32 Rice’s Tobias Schiel and Ralph Knupfer (8-5) • Went 4-3 in singles action in the fall • Was victorious at the UCF Fall Invitational against North Florida’s Javier Ferrin, 6-7 (5), 7-5, 10-2 • Compiled a 5-1 record in doubles 2006-2007 SEASON • Named to the All-Conference USA Second Team • Registered a 17-6 singles mark in the spring • At the No. 3 position, held an 11-2 record • Went 6-1 at the No. 4 spot in the spring • Prevailed at the No. 4 spot against 15th-ranked Florida’s Billy Mulligan (4-6, 6-0, 6-0) • Went 9-8 in doubles with Sinan Sudas • Opened collegiate career with a 4-1 singles mark • At the UCF Fall Invitational, went 3-0 • Recorded a 7-6 (5), 6-4 win against Ben Smith of
North Florida • Topped Daniel Harden of Georgia Southern (6-1, 6-1) PRIOR TO UCF • Ranked in Sweden’s 21 and under division • Was a singles quarterfinalist at the under-21 national championship and a semifinalist in doubles • Was mentored by former UCF star David Winberg in Sweden PERSONAL • Born in Vaxjo, Sweden • Son of Lars and Ingegard Beigart • Majoring in interdisciplinary studies
MARC ROCAFORT Senior • 6-4 • Barcelona, Spain • Middle Tennessee
2009 - FALL SEASON • Went 1-1 at the Southern Intercollegiates • Facing Jamal Adderly and Romain Deridder of USF at the Southern Intercollegiates, joined Blaze Schwartz for an 8-2 win • With Schwartz, took the doubles A title at the UCF Invitational with an 8-4 victory over South Carolina’s Ivan Cressoni and Johannes Pulsfort • At the UCF Invitational posted a 6-3, 6-2 victory over South Carolina’s Ivan Machado • Won two matches at the USF Invitational, including a 6-2, 7-5 victory over Carl Sunberg of Miami • Went undefeated with Schwartz in doubles play at the USF Invitational 18
2008-2009 SEASON • In singles action, went 10-9 in the spring • Won three matches at the No. 1 position • Facing No. 70 East Carolina’s Stephen Whitwell at No. 1, rallied for a 3-6, 6-1, 6-0 triumph at the Conference USA Shootout • Topped Winthrop’s Roy Sichel (6-3, 6-4) at No. 1 • Against Daniel Vardag of No. 47 Florida Atlantic, recorded a 6-3, 6-0 win at No. 2 • At 29th-ranked Auburn, handled Milan Krnjetin (64, 6-1) at No. 4 • Registered a 6-4, 6-1 victory at No. 3 over North Florida’s Kurt Gattiker • Went 5-2 in doubles action with Eugene Dolgovykh, with all five wins coming at No. 3 • Facing Robin Fahgen and Gaston Cuadranti of No. 68 SMU at the C-USA Championship, joined Dolgovykh for an 8-4 win • Along with Dolgovykh, topped Gustave Diep and Stefan McKinney (8-6) of No. 67 New Mexico State • Recorded a 3-0 mark in singles play in the fall • Won the flight A crown at the C.L. Varner Memorial Invitational • Topped Stetson’s Njal Stene in the finals, 7-5, 4-6, 6-1 • Also defeated Rollins’ Neil Clausen (6-4, 6-2) and Emmanuel Fraitzl of Barry (6-3, 6-1) at the tournament • Competed in one doubles match with Johan Beigart at the event 2007-2008 SEASON • Competed for two years at Middle Tennessee • Went 11-10 in dual-match play in the spring • Defeated three ranked foes during the spring • Spent three weeks during the dual-match season in the national rankings, moving as high as 88th on March 4 • Posted a 6-2, 7-6 (6) win at No. 1 over 99th-ranked
Piotre Banas of Louisiana-Lafayette at the Sun Belt Championship • Held on to defeat ninth-ranked Jack Baker of South Alabama (6-3, 2-6, 6-2) at No. 1 • Facing Indiana’s Phillip Eilers at No. 2, rallied for a 3-6, 7-5, 1-0 (10-8) win • Eased past 46th-ranked Raoul Schwark of Minnesota (6-1, 6-4) • Went 5-5 during the fall campaign in the fall • Won a pair of matches at the MT Fall Invitational, including a 6-1, 6-3 victory over 98th-ranked Amrit Narasimhan of Memphis • Also won two matches at the Southern Intercollegiates 2006-2007 SEASON • Won 16 contests during the dual-match season, including 10 at the No. 3 spot • Ended the campaign by winning six-consecutive contests • In the fall, posted a team-high 10 singles victories • Advanced to the round of 32 at the ITA Southeast Championship PERSONAL • Born in Barcelona, Spain • Son of Luis Rocafort and Olsa Dolc • Majoring in business - finance
MEN’S TENNIS
BROCK SAKEY Senior • 6-3 • Gulf Breeze, Fla.• Gulf Breeze 2009 - FALL SEASON • Defeated Magin Ortiga, 2-6, 6-4, 1-0 (10-5), of Georgia Tech at the Southern Intercollegiates • Won the singles C crown at the UCF Invitational • Had a 6-2, 6-2 win over South Carolina’s David Wolff at the UCF Invitational • Registered a 6-7, 6-2, 1-0 (13-11) win over USF’s Juan Carlos at the USF Invitational 2008-2009 - SEASON • Named to the Conference USA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll • Only appeared in two spring matches due to an injury • Posted a 7-3 singles mark in the fall • Recorded a 6-2, 6-1 victory over Virginia Tech’s Preston Lemon at the Southern Intercollegiate Championship • Competed at the D’Novo All-American Championship and collected a 2-6, 7-5, 6-1 win against Francois Van Lampe of Nebraska • In doubles play, went 7-0 with Joe Delinks 2007-2008 - SEASON • Earned a spot on the Conference USA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll • Won 13 singles tilts during spring dual-match play • Went 6-3 at the No. 3 spot • Also posted a 6-3 mark at No. 4 • Defeated Brian Ly, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, of No. 70 UAB at the C-USA Championship • Went 2-1 at the C-USA Shootout • Registered an 11-7 mark in doubles with Johan Beigart • At the USF Invitational, eased to an 8-1 win against Virginia Tech’s Brandon Corace and Albert Larregola
with Beigart • Registered a 6-3 mark in singles action in the fall • Beat Arkansas’ Dmitry Lebedev (2-6, 6-3, 6-1) in the pre-qualifying round of the All-American Tennis Championships • Compiled a 5-1 record in doubles 2006-2007 - SEASON • Selected to the Conference USA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll • Registered an 11-10 singles mark in the spring • Went 2-2 at No. 3; at the No. 4 and No. 5 spots, posted 4-4 records • Against UNC-Greensboro’s Jason Steinhorn at No. 4, was a 6-0, 6-0 winner • Facing Hector Neito of No. 11 Miami at No. 5, recorded a 3-6, 6-3, 1-0 (10-8) win • Won 15 matches in doubles play with Norman Alcantara • The duo was ranked as high as 55th nationally in doubles • Posted a 5-3 record in the fall • At the UCF Fall Invitational, went 3-0 2005-2006 - SEASON • Named the Conference USA Freshman of the Year • Garnered C-USA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll accolades • Won 16 matches in the spring • Went 4-2 at No. 4 and 9-2 at the No. 5 spot • At the C-USA Championship versus UAB, posted a 6-4, 6-4 victory at No. 4 over Andre Maier • Defeated Juan Barragan of USF, 6-2, 6-4, at No. 4 • Won all three matches at the UCF/C-USA Shootout,
including a 6-3, 2-6, 6-1 win over Andrew Poole of Southern Miss at No. 4 • Led UCF with five total singles wins in the fall PRIOR TO UCF • Advanced to the Florida Class 2A state title match as a senior • Named the Northwest Florida Player of the Year in 2005 PERSONAL • Born in Gulf Breeze, Fla. • Son of Brian Sakey • Earned his undergraduate degree in marketing at UCF • Working on his master’s in sports and fitness
BLAZE SCHWARTZ Junior • 5-10 • Pensacola, Fla. • Washington
2009 - FALL SEASON • Posted a win against Wake Forest’s Amogh Prabhaker, 6-4, 6-4, at the Southern Intercollegiates • Defeated Bethune-Cookman’s Marc Masinovic, 6-3, 6-2, at the FSU Invitational • With Johan Beigart, posted an 8-2 win over Florida State’s Aaron May and Anderson Reed • Took the Singles B title over South Carolina’s Chris Sheehan with a 6-1, 6-3 victory at the UCF Invitational • With Marc Rocafort, took the doubles A title at the UCF Invitational with an 8-4 victory over South Carolina’s Ivan Cressoni and Johannes Pulsfort • Went undefeated with Rocafort in doubles play at the USF Invitational 2008-2009 - SEASON • Selected to the All-Conference USA Second Team
• Earned a spot on the C-USA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll • Led UCF with a 15-6 singles mark in the spring • Went 9-6 at No. 3 and 5-0 at No. 4 • Began the year with a 4-6, 6-0, 6-1 triumph at No. 5 over Marko Ballok of No. 13 Tulsa • In doubles play, recorded a 7-1 mark with Johan Beigart • The pair went 5-1 at the top spot • With Beigart, registered a 9-8 (7) win over 53rdranked Darren Walsh and Adham el-Effendi of SMU at the C-USA Championship • The tandem posted three wins at the top spot at the C-USA Shootout • Also went 2-1 with Danny Colón • Recorded a 7-2 singles mark in the fall • Claimed the flight B title at the C.L. Varner Memorial Invitational • Went 4-2 in doubles action • Along with Joe Delinks, defeated Georgia State’s Trenton Spinks and Henri Mangin, 8-4, at the USF Invitational • Also bested Florida Gulf Coast’s Danny Lee and Ervin Garibovic, 8-5 2007-2008 - SEASON • Earned Intercollegiate Tennis Association AllScholar Athlete honors • Named to the Conference USA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll • Recorded a 9-2 mark in singles, all at the No. 6 position in spring • Missed the first half of the spring campaign due to an injury • Topped No. 72 Florida Atlantic’s Joe Cadogan, 6-4, 6-2 • Took a 6-1, 6-4 win against Murilo Martins of Louisiana-Lafayette • Prevailed at No. 57 UC-Irvine against Ryan Mayer
(6-1, 6-4) • Posted a 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 win over No. 51 Tennessee Tech’s Mario Gutierrez • Defeated USF’s Thomas Estrada (6-4, 6-1) • Registered a 6-2 doubles record with Tarek Ben Soltane • Teamed with Sinan Sudas to defeat No. 70 UAB’s Dan Cornei and Alex Emery, 8-5, at No. 3 at the C-USA Championship • Prevailed over James Crawford and Mario Gutierrez of No. 51 Tennessee Tech, 8-1, at No. 3 • Recorded an 8-3 singles mark in the fall • Knocked off Jacksonville’s Jordi Ballester, 6-4, 1-6, 6-3, at the Seminole Invitational • Topped Rollins’ Jack Barrett (6-1, 6-0) at the C.L. Varner Memorial Invitational • Also defeated Ray Duyungan, 6-0, 6-1, at the tournament • Went 6-1 in doubles PRIOR TO UCF • Played for coach Krissy Mayew at Washington High School • Florida Class 2A state doubles champion in 2007 • Helped lead Washington to the Florida Class 2A state title • Named the Pensacola News-Journal Boys Tennis Athlete of the Year in 2006 • Was listed in the top 30 in the United States Tennis Association Florida junior rankings • Ranked in the top 15 in doubles • Achieved a perfect 4.0 grade-point average in high school PERSONAL • Born in Pensacola, Fla. • Son of Jay and Babette Schwartz • Majoring in political science
19
UCF KNIGHTS
JOE DELINKS Sophomore • 6-0 • Falmouth, Mass. • Falmouth
2009 - FALL SEASON • Registered a 6-2, 6-2 victory over Florida State’s Owen Long at the FSU Invitational • Along with Eugene Dolgovykh, took the doubles draw title at the FSU Invitational with a 9-7 victory over North Florida’s Graham Edgar and Daniel Sotomarino • With Dolgovykh, posted an 8-6 victory over South Carolina’s Chris Sheehan and David Wolff at the UCF Invitational • Along with Johan Beigart had two doubles wins at the USF Invitational over Miami and USF
2008-2009 SEASON • Named to the Conference USA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll • Recorded six singles wins in the spring • Went 4-4 at No. 6 • Registered a 6-4, 6-3 win over Stephen Shao at No. 4 • Topped Matej Stakne of No. 67 New Mexico State, 6-1, 6-3, at No. 5 • At No. 29 Auburn, recorded a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Michel Monteiro at No. 6 • Opened the campaign with a 6-2, 6-1 win over Bethune-Cookman’s Vitor Belucci at No. 6 • In doubles played mostly with Tarek Ben Soltane • Went 4-3 in singles play in the fall • At the USF Invitational, posted a 6-1, 6-3 victory over Florida Gulf Coast’s Frank Acierno • Beat LSU’s Andrew Meyers, 6-0, 6-0, at the UCF Invitational • Compiled a 10-2 record in doubles • Advanced to the semifinals of the Southern Intercollegiate Championship with partner Brock Sakey • The pair posted an 8-1 win over Middle Tennessee’s Alex McCann and Kyle Wishing • The duo also topped Jacksonville’s Murilo Souza and Victor Vaz, 9-8 (2) PRIOR TO UCF • Captured the 2008 Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association individual championship • Went 31-0 in singles play for Falmouth High School as a senior
EUGENE DOLGOVYKH Sophomore • 6-2 • Palm Coast, Fla. • Matanzas 2009 - FALL SEASON • Along with Joe Delinks, took the doubles draw title at the FSU Invitational with a 9-7 victory over North Florida’s Graham Edgar and Daniel Sotomarino • Took a 6-1, 6-2 victory over JU’s Andrew Lerner at the FSU Invitational • With Delinks, posted an 8-6 victory over South Carolina’s Chris Sheehan and David Wolff at the UCF Invitational • At home, during the UCF Invitational, defeated Sheehan of South Carolina, 6-0, 7-5 • At the USF Invitational, defeated Barnabas Carrega of Miami, 6-4, 6-0
20
2008-2009 - SEASON • Earned a spot on the Conference USA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll • Went 10-10 in singles play during the spring • At the No. 4 spot, recorded a 4-4 mark • Won two matches at the C-USA Shootout • Facing No. 59 Florida Atlantic, registered a 7-5, 6-4 victory over Santiago Nieto at No. 5 • At No. 29 Auburn, rallied for a 3-6, 6-2, 7-6 (5) win over Alex Petropoulos at No. 5 • Against Erik Corace of seventh ranked Florida at No. 5, posted a 7-6, 6-3 win • In doubles play, went 5-2 with Marc Rocafort • Joined Rocafort at No. 3 for an 8-4 victory over Robin Fahgen and Gaston Cuadranti of No. 68 SMU at the C-USA Championship • Also played with Joe Delinks and Tarek Ben Soltane • Posted a 7-2 singles record in the fall • Won the flight six title at the USF Invitational • Concluded the event with a 6-4, 6-3 win over USF’s Yanick Yoshizawa • Collected a 6-2, 6-0 victory over Georgia State’s William Adeimy at the UCF Invitational • Also topped David Roberts of LSU, 6-2 5-7, 6-3, at the tournament
• Recorded a 4-1 doubles mark • At the USF Invitational, joined Danny Colón for an 8-5 win against USF’s Alex Pukal and Mark Oljaca PRIOR TO UCF • Earned All-America honors as a senior at Mantanzas High School • A five-star player according to Tennisrecruiting.net • Ranked 42nd nationally and 13th in the southeast in 2008 • Went 18-1 in singles play as a senior and helped lead team to the regional finals • Garnered Daytona Beach News-Journal Player of the Year honors • In June 2008, advanced to the round of 16 at the United States Tennis Association Florida Closed Singles Championship • Claimed the 18s Winter Sectional in January 2008 • Ranked fourth in Florida at the under-18 level PERSONAL • Born in Riga, Latvia • Son of Alexander and Natalia Dolgovykh • Majoring in business management
• Concluded high school career with a 72-0 singles mark • Earned all-scholastic honors three times from the Boston Herald • Named to the Boston Globe all-scholastic squad as a senior • Ranked fourth in the United States Tennis Association New England Under-18 list • As a junior, led Falmouth to an 18-0 mark and the state division I title PERSONAL • Born in Falmouth, Mass. • Son of Donald and Patricia Delinks • Majoring in environmental studies
MEN’S TENNIS
CLAUDIO ROMANO Sophomore • 6-1 • Valencia, Venezuela • Captured a 6-4, 5-7, 1-0 (10-3) victory over Julien Gauthier of LSU at the USF Invitational
2009 - FALL SEASON • Participated in the Southern Intercollegiates • Won two matches at the FSU Invitational, including a 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (1) victory over Florida’s Dan Cash • With Mario Samson, posted an 8-4 victory in the quarterfinals of the FSU Invitational against John Hollimon and Thomas Petrich • At the UCF Invitational defeated Ivan Machado of South Carolina, 6-2, 6-1 • With Brock Sakey, had an 8-4 victory over South Carolina’s Ivan Cressoni and Johannes Pulsfort at UCF Invitational • Defeated Alex Hill of Georgia, 7-5, 6-1, at the ITA Southern Regional Championship
2008-2009 - SEASON • Named to the Conference USA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll • Did not play due to injury during the spring • Went 5-1 in singles action in the fall • Finished with a 3-0 record at the USF Invitational and claimed the flight two title • Defeated Georgia State’s Jackson Moore, 6-1, 6-1, and Florida Gulf Coast’s Andrew Kam, 6-2, 6-4 • Also topped 91st-ranked Jamal Adderley of USF (64, 6-2) at the tournament • Won both matches at the UCF Invitational • Topped Georgia State’s Nejc Podkrajsek, 7-6 (7), 6-2, and LSU’s Sebastion Carlsson, 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 • Posted a 3-2 doubles record • Won two doubles tilts at the USF Invitational with Johan Beigart • The pair topped Jackson Moore and Nejic Podrajsek of Georgia State, 8-6 2007-2008 - SEASON • Registered a 12-6 record in singles play • At the No. 5 position, went 10-0 during the spring • Won one match at No. 3 and also claimed a victory at the No. 4 spot • Defeated No. 44 Denver’s Andrew Landwerlen 7-6 (8), 6-2 at No. 5 • Prevailed at No. 5 versus 57th-ranked UC-Irvine’s Stephen Stege (6-1, 6-4) • Posted a win against Cal Poly’s Alexander Sonesson
at No. 5, 4-6, 6-3, 6-0 • Knocked off Juan Pablo Gomez of No. 51 Tennessee Tech at No. 5 (6-2, 6-0) • At No. 5, defeated East Carolina’s Bryan Oakley, 6-1, 6-1 • In doubles play, went 8-8 with Sinan Sudas • Defeated Cornell’s Kyle Doppelt and Weston Nichols at No. 1 with Sudas (8-4) • Posted a 7-5 record in singles action in the fall • Defeated Florida Gulf Coast’s Steve Binninger, 6-3, 6-1, at the C.L. Varner Memorial Invitational • Went 3-1 in doubles during the fall • With Johan Beigart, defeated Florida Gulf Coast’s Gonzalo Da Villa and Danny Lee, 8-2, at the UCF Fall Invitational PRIOR TO UCF • Was ranked 164th out of more than 2,000 players in the International Tennis Federation • Registered a 36-24 career record in singles in the ITF • Had a 29-21 record in doubles • In 2007, was a doubles finalist at the Uruguay Bowl • Was ranked No. 1 in his age group in 2000, 2002, 2004 and 2006 • Mentored by Willy Campos and Otto Sarquis PERSONAL • Born in Valencia, Venezuela • Son of Claudio and Rosaluisa Romano • Majoring in computer science
MARIO SAMSON Freshman • 5-10 • Miami, Fla. • La Salle
2009 - FALL SEASON • Took the singles D crown at the UCF Invitational after defeating South Carolina’s Harry Menzies 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 (3) • With Johan Beigart, defeated South Carolina’s David Wolff and Chris Sheehan at the UCF Invitational, 8-5 • Had two singles wins at the USF Invitational, including a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Hector Nieto of Miami Prior to UCF • In January 2009, participated in the USA F1 Futures tournament in Boca Raton, Fla., recording a firstround victory • As a junior at La Salle, joined Santiago Nieto to win the Florida Class 2A doubles title • Garnered Miami Herald All-Dade County Second Team honors • Ranked second in Paraguay in his age group in 2004 and 2006 • Was mentored by his uncle, Ricardo Mena Personal • Born in Asuncion, Paraguay • Son of Bettina and Mario Samson • Majoring in engineering
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UCF KNIGHTS
Catalin Bradu
LETTERWINNERS A Akesson, Matias, 1995-97 Alcantara, Norman, 2005-07 Allen, Craig, 1992-93 Allen, Joel, 2003-05 Andersson, Fredrik, 1992-94 Arecco, Andres, 1991-92 Atherton, Scott, 1983-84 Auge, Jean, 1992-93 B Badalucco, Bob, 1987-90 Barnard, Neil, 1977-78 Barrett, Mike, 1981-83 Bauer, Jeff, 1983-84 Baxter, Doug, 1976-78 Beigart, Johan, 2006-Present Ben Soltane, Tarek, 2005-09 Berg, Eric, 1991-92 Bolanos, Salvador, 1989-90 Bradu, Catalin, 2001-04 Brass, Drew, 1978-79 Brick, Merrill, 1992-93 Brodrick, Wayne, 1991-92 Brunskog, Pelle, 1996-98 Bryant, Steve, 1974-78 Buoni, Greg, 1982-83 Burrows, Todd, 1991-92 C Cail, Tom, 1986-87 Carlstrom, Christian, 1992-94 Camacho, Federico, 1998-01 Chafe, Dave, 1979-84 Chappell, Gilbert, 1979-82 Cochran, Mark, 1986-87 Cohen, David, 1986-87 Cohen, Jeff, 1984-85 Coletta, Jason, 1994-96 Colón, Danny, 2006-09 Collins, Scott, 1985-86 Conkling, Ray, 1988-89 Crabel, Toby, 1976-78 Curry, Pat, 1986-89 D Davis, Jeff, 1983-88 DeFranco, Mike, 1982-85 Delgado, Sebastian, 2004-06 Delinks, Joe, 2008-Present Dertein, Joe, 1976-77 DeZeeuw, Mike, 1973-74 Diez, Francisco, 1987-88 Dolgovykh, Eugene, 2008-Present 22
E Engle, Lenny, 1981-86 F Feistmann, Jon, 1994-95 Feldman, Marty, 1987-89 Fowler, Jeff, 1980-81 G Garcia, Esteban, 1995-97 Garcia, Juan, 1994-95 Goldfarb, David, 1991-93 Grguric, Marko, 1994-97 Guerin, William, 1998-01 Gunderson, Mark, 1977-78 Gursoy, Ener, 2002-07 H Hall, Jim, 1976-77 Hargett, Bradley, 1995-96 Heinerman, Brad, 1985-86 Hicks, Dan, 1978-79 Horne, Brian, 1991-96 Huber, Steve, 1988-89 I Imhoff, Sean, 1987-88 J Jackson, Ken, 1987-90 Jaeger, Simon, 2001-05 Jankovic, Goran, 1995-97 K Kahn, Brian, 1992-94 Kanaan, Adam, 1999-02 Kessler, Carl, 1985-86 Kjoraas, Jesper, 1993-95 Kjoraas, Mattias, 1996-98 Krass, Ed, 1978-82 L Langill, Kyle, 1979-82 Lucci, Tom, 1976-79 M Martinez, Fernando, 1998-00 Martis, Sigmund, 1997-98 Moore, David, 1999-00 Moore, Grayden, 1999-00 Morris, Jeff, 1985-86 Muzio, Robert, 1997-99 N Nelson, Don, 1984-85 Novak, Greg, 1997-99 Novak, Jiri, 1994-96
O O’Brien, Charlie, 1984-85 Overkemping, Niko, 2007-08 P Pacheco, Mauricio, 1992-95 Pacheco, Pedro, 1995-99 Perez, Jose, 1986-88 R Ramy, Paul, 2001-05 Rocafort, Marc, 2008-Present Rocchio, Ricardo, 1992-95 Rodgers, Mike, 1983-85 Roesch, Jimmy, 2005-07 Romano, Claudio, 2007-Present Rosen, Rhett, 2001-05 S Sakey, Brock, 2005-Present Sanabria, Augusto, 1999-03 Schwartz, Blaze, 2007-Present Scott, Jim, 1978-79 Seay, Jackson, 1980-81 Sebring, Trip, 1985-86 Segfeldt, Patrik, 1994-96 Shea, Jim, 1977-78 Sheriff, Duane, 1980-81 Sierra, Antonio, 2001-05 Snoyenbous, Todd, 1982-86 Stauble, David, 1978-80 Stetzer, Bill, 1977-78 Stone, Vince, 1984-85 Strangberg, Gabriel, 2000-04 Sudas, Sinan, 2004-08 Sundin, Mike, 1980-81 Sutton, Mark, 1987-92 T Tandjung, Teddy, 1996-98 Trombetti, Todd, 1992-94 W Wali, Alamgir, 2005-06 Watford, Mark, 1976-77 Westin, Johan, 1998-02 Willems, Gerben, 1993-94 Williams, Brian, 1989-92 Winberg, David, 1998-99 Winnegren, Pat, 1984-85 Winter, Ryan, 2000-01 Z Zebendon, J., 1986-87
MEN’S TENNIS
HONORS
ITA ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM 1997, 1998, 2001, 2002
CONFERENCE USA FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR Brock Sakey ALL-CONFERENCE USA SECOND TEAM Blaze Schwartz Johan Beigart Sinan Sudas
2009 2007, 2008 2006
ATLANTIC SUN PLAYER OF THE YEAR Catalin Bradu David Winberg Matis Akesson Christian Carlstrom
2003 1999 1997 1994
ATLANTIC SUN FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR Ener Gursoy Gabriel Strangberg
2003 2001
ATLANTIC SUN COACH OF THE YEAR Bobby Cashman ALL-ATLANTIC SUN FIRST TEAM Joel Allen Ener Gursoy Antonio Sierra Catalin Bradu Gabriel Strangberg Federico Camacho David Winberg Pelle Brunskog Matias Akesson Jesper Kjoraas Christian Carlstrom
David Winberg
2006
2003, 2005 2005 2005 2004 2002, 2003, 2004 2002, 2003 2001 1998, 1999 1997, 1998 1996, 1997 1995 1994
ALL-ATLANTIC SUN SECOND TEAM Sinan Sudas Joel Allen Ener Gursoy
2005 2004 2004
ATLANTIC SUN ALL-FRESHMAN TEAM Sinan Sudas Ener Gursoy Paul Ramy
2005 2003 2002
ALL-ATLANTIC SUN HONORABLE MENTION Gabriel Strangberg Federico Camacho William Guerin
2001 2000 2000
UCF MOST VALUABLE PLAYER Blaze Schwartz Johan Beigart Brock Sakey Joel Allen Ener Gursoy Antonio Sierra Ener Gursoy Catalin Bradu Catalin Bradu Gabriel Strangberg Fedrico Camacho
2008 2007 2006 2005 2005 2004 2003 2003 2002 2001 2000
UCF COACHES’ AWARD Tarek Ben Soltane Brock Sakey Sinan Sudas Rhett Rosen UCF Team Catalin Bradu Augusto Sanabria Adam Kanaan Johan Westin
2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000
ITA SCHOLAR-ATHLETE Blaze Schwartz Jimmy Roesch Sinan Sudas Simon Jaeger Catalin Bradu Adam Kanaan Johan Westin Teddy Tandjung Pelle Brunskog Matias Akesson
2008 2006 2006 2003, 2004, 2005 2003, 2004 2001, 2002 2001, 2002 1998 1997, 1998 1997
ESPN THE MAGAZINE All-DISTRICT III TEAM Catalin Bradu Johan Westin
2004 2002
CONFERENCE USA COMMISSIONER’S ACADEMIC MEDAL Jimmy Roesch 2006, 2007 CONFERENCE USA COMMISSIONER’S HONOR ROLL Niko Overkemping 2008 Brock Sakey 2006, 2007, 2008 Blaze Schwartz 2008 Sinan Sudas 2006, 2007, 2008 Norman Alcantara 2006 ATLANTIC SUN MALE STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR Matias Akesson 1997 NATIONAL STUDENT-ATHLETE DAY AWARD Augusto Sanabria David Winberg
2000 1999
ATLANTIC SUN ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM Simon Jaeger 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 Paul Ramy 2002, 2003, 2005 Sinan Sudas 2005 Catalin Bradu 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 Jacob Auerbach 2003 Rhett Rosen 2001, 2003 Adam Kanaan 2000, 2001, 2002 Antonio Sierra 2001, 2002 Gabriel Strangberg 2001, 2002 Johan Westin 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 William Guerin 1999, 2000, 2001 Federico Camacho 1999 David Winberg 1998, 1999 Pelle Brunskog 1997, 1998 Sigmund Martis 1998 Greg Novak 1998 Pedro Pacheco 1997, 1998 Constantine Spiliotpoylos 1998 Teddy Tandjung 1997, 1998 Matias Akesson 1996, 1997 Marko Grguric 1996, 1997 Goran Jankovic 1996, 1997 Jason Coletta 1996 Brian Horne 1995, 1996 Jiri Novak 1995, 1996 Jonathon Feitsmann 1995 Esteban Garcia 1995 Jesper Kjoraas 1995 Mauricio Pacheco 1995 Richard Rocchio 1994, 1995 Magnus Wikstrom 1995 Frederik Anderson 1994 Christian Carlstrom 1994 Frederic Menou 1994 Gerben Williams 1994 UCF ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Brock Sakey 2008 Jimmy Roesch 2006, 2007 Simon Jaeger 2005 Catalin Bradu 2004 Simon Jaeger 2004 Catalin Bradu 2003 Johan Westin 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002
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UCF KNIGHTS
CHAMPIONSHIP TEAMS UCF is no stranger to the NCAA Championships. The Knights have made three trips to the postseason in the last eight years, all under head coach Bobby Cashman. The program also claimed three conference championships during that span. In its final season in the Atlantic Sun Conference in 2005, UCF went out on top with the league title. Seeded third at the conference championship in DeLand, Fla., the Knights posted a 4-2 victory over top-seeded Troy in the title match. UCF won 13 contests during the campaign. Following the A-Sun Championship, Cashman was named the league’s coach of the year. Joel Allen and Ener Gursoy were both selected to the all-conference first team. Sinan Sudas garnered All-A-Sun Second Team honors and was also named to the all-freshman squad. The Knights served as the top seed at the 2004 A-Sun Championship in Macon, Ga. Cashman’s squad recorded a 4-0 win over Campbell to earn its second-straight conference championship crown. Cashman guided UCF to 15 victories in 2004. Several Knights earned individual accolades for their play. Catalin Bradu and Antonio Sierra both earned spots on the All-A-Sun First Team. Allen and Gursoy were named to the league’s second team. UCF began its impressive run in the A-Sun in 2003, winning the first league title in school history at the Division I level. At the tournament in DeLand, top-seeded UCF breezed past the competition on its way to the championship match. The Knights defeated No. 2 Georgia State, 4-1, in the title contest to earn the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Championship. Prior to 2003, the Knights had never advanced to the NCAA Championships at the D-I level. The school joined the D-I ranks in 1985. The Knights won 20 matches in 2003 as Cashman was named the A-Sun Coach of the Year for the first time. Bradu was honored as the league’s player of the year. Gursoy was recognized as the A-Sun Freshman of the Year. Bradu joined Gabriel Strangberg on the All-A-Sun First Team. In addition to earning the freshman of the year honor, Gursoy was selected to the all-freshman squad. Each time that it has played in the postseason, UCF has faced national power Florida in the opening round of the NCAA Championships in Gainesville. 2005 Atlantic Sun Champions Record: 13-9 Head Coach: Bobby Cashman Assistant Coach: Eleazar Magallan Team MVP: Ener Gursoy Joel Allen, Brandon Delanois, Sebastian Delgado, Ener Gursoy, Simon Jaeger, Paul Ramy, Rhett Rosen, Antonio Sierra, Sinan Sudas 2004 Atlantic Sun Champions Record: 15-9 Head Coach: Bobby Cashman Assistant Coach: Fernando Martinez Team MVP: Antonio Sierra Joel Allen, Catalin Bradu, Ener Gursoy, Simon Jaeger, Paul Ramy, Rhett Rosen, Antonio Sierra, Gabriel Strangberg 2003 Atlantic Sun Champions Record: 20-4 Head Coach: Bobby Cashman Assistant Coach: Fernando Martinez Team MVP: Ener Gursoy Jacob Auerbach, Catalin Bradu, Ener Gursoy, Simon Jaeger, Rhett Rosen, Augusto Sanabria, Antonio Sierra, Gabriel Strangberg
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Ener Gursoy was a member of UCF’s NCAA Championship teams in 2003, 2004 and 2005. Gursoy was the team MVP in 2003.