May 13, 2004

SKILLMAN, N.J. - University of North Carolina senior men's tennis player Nick Monroe was named Thursday as the Mideast Region winner of the Intercollegiate Tennis Association's John Van Nostrand Memorial Award while Tar Heel head coach was named the Mideast Region Coach of the Year by the ITA. The awards were announced Thursday by the regional ITA Award committee. Both Monroe and Paul now become candidates for national awards in their areas.

The Van Nostrand Award is given to a senior tennis player based on qualities of leadership and character. The national award provides a stipend for the student-athlete to pursue a career in professional tennis.

"I can think of no one who could derserve this award more," says Sam Paul. "Nick has been a wonderful ambassador for college tennis as a player and his devotion to his teammates to the Carolina program has been exemplary."

Monroe is a three-time All-Atlantic Coast Conference selection and two-time selection to play in the NCAA Championships in both singles and doubles. He currently has a record of 32-8 as a senior in singles and a 20-4 record in doubles with teammate Geoff Boyd. Monroe has a career singles record of 96-42. He is tied for second in career singles win in Tar Heel history.

Coach Sam Paul won ITA Region II coach of the year honors for the third time in his 11-year career. He was also so honored in 1996 and 2000. He has been named ACC Men's Tennis Coach of the Year four times in his career -- in 1996, 2000, 2002 and 2004.

"I'm really proud to win this award," Coach Sam Paul stated. "It is really, however, a testament to the strength and the character of my team and the hard work that these guys have put in. I also have a great assistant coach in Don Johnson. Don and the players deserve this award more than I do."

The Tar Heels (22-4) open play in the NCAA Tournament on Saturday when they play host to South Carolina State (17-6) in the first round of regional play at 10 a.m. at the Cone-Kenfield Tennis Center.