Godwin, Mainz recognized by the ITA
5/11/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
May 11, 2009
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Awards for the 24th-ranked Alabama women's tennis team continue to roll in, as senior Shelley Godwin earned the ITA/Arthur Ashe Award for Leadership & Sportsmanship for the South Region and head coach Jenny Mainz was named Wilson/ITA South Region Coach of the Year.
"Shelley is truly deserving of this prestigious and highly regarded award," said Mainz. "Shelley has led our Alabama team for four years with her faith and commitment to serving others. She has been an example on and off the court and has been one of the finest ambassadors for The University of Alabama."
Godwin has had a very successful four years at the Capstone both on and off the court. She has collected 57 singles wins and 29 doubles wins in her career. This season has arguably been her most successful, as she became a member of Alabama's "21 Club," which is for players who win 21 or more singles matches in a season. She began the 2009 dual season with nine consecutive wins, including delivering the clinching win in the Crimson Tide's come from behind victories over Arkansas and LSU, which earned her SEC Player of the Week. She also won the ITA Southern Regional Championship B Draw during the fall.
"Shelley has always prided herself and our women's tennis program by competing with class and dignity," added Mainz. "She understands the bigger picture and has capitalized on the opportunity to use her faith to help lead. Shelley epitomizes this well respected award as she demonstrated tremendous character and integrity throughout her career at the Capstone."
Godwin has served as team captain since 2006. She is a three-time SEC Academic Honor Roll recipient, as well as being selected to the ITA Scholastic Team in 2006 and 2008. Godwin is also a member of the SEC Community Service Team. She was named to the President's List in 2005 and 2008, as well as the Dean's List in 2007. Godwin is also the Bryant-Jordan Award recipient. She also earned the University of Alabama Alumni Scholarship. She has been a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee since 2006 and a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Leadership Team since 2007. She has also coordinated the community service activities done by the team, including orchestrating the ALS Walk Team for the Alabama Athletic Department. She earned over 30 hours of community service during her senior year alone.
Mainz guided her team to a 15-9 record and a top 25 ranking after beginning the season unranked. The Tide finally broke into the rankings in late February, reaching as high as No. 16, which was the highest ranking since 1997. This season, Alabama began the season 11-0, which is the best start in school history and also broke the school record for consecutive match wins. The 15 wins the team has collected are the second most the Tide has won under Mainz. Eight losses this season have come to teams currently ranked in the top 25. Alabama made its ninth appearance in the NCAA Tournament, and the first since 2006. The team received the ITA National Team Sportsmanship Award for the month of March. Also, the team garnered two SEC Player of the Week honors, two SEC Freshman of the Week honors, and one All-SEC Second Team member.
"I'm privileged to have been recognized for this noteworthy honor in our South Region," stated Mainz. "Although, I would be remised if I did not acknowledge our team and our coaching staff. This is not an individual award but rather a team award. Our team has worked tirelessly this season to gain redemption and climb back into the national rankings. Rahim Esmail, our assistant coach, and Caroline Bentley, our volunteer coach, as well as our entire support staff, have contributed immensely to the success we have all enjoyed this season. This accolade is a tribute to an ultimate team effort demonstrated by everyone involved with our tennis program."
Mainz has also served as the Chairperson of the ITA South Region for the past three years and has been a Committee Member of the South Region Committee for the past seven years. Mainz received an invite to coach the Girls 18 Southern Section Fed Cup team in California this summer. She has also been heavily involved in the Walk to Defeat ALS which helps to raise awareness for the disease.
Players Mentioned
