Joling Kaluder bag regional awards

FAYETTEVILLE – University of Arkansas women’s tennis assistant coach Jeroen Joling has been named the central region’s Intercollegiate Assistant Coach of the Year for Division I women’s tennis and senior Ela Kaluder has been named the central region’s ITA Senior Player of the Year, the ITA announced.

In only his second season with the Razorbacks, Joling’s focus on fundamentals and strength training have helped Arkansas rise steadily in the national rankings put out by the ITA. Joling also was instrumental in coaching No. 2-ranked Aurelija Miseviciute to the 2007 National Indoor Championship title.

“Jeroen is thoroughly deserving of this award,” head Razorback coach Michael Hegarty said.”He has made significant contributions to all areas of our program. He is one of the best young coaches out there and has a great future ahead of him.”

Joling is one of eight assistant coaches nominated for the national ITA Assistant Coach of the Year honor. The other assistant coaches being considered for the award are: Alexandra Arlak (Rutgers), Katarina Petrovic (South Carolina), Oliver Foreman (Florida State), Dave Emery (Illinois), Colin Foster (TCU), Damon Coupe (Washington) and West Nott (USC).

A three-time All-Southeastern Conference honoree, Kaluder posted an overall record of 24-14 in her final season with the Razorbacks. Kaluder’s 24-win season is her fourth season with 20 or more wins at Arkansas.

In the second round of this year’s NCAA Women’s Tennis Championship in Fayetteville, Kaluder clinched a Sweet Sixteen berth for the Razorbacks with her, 7-5, 7-6(6) victory over TCU’s Katariina Tuohimaa.

As a sophomore, Kaluder garnered ITA attention for her 15-7 singles record and was named the 2007 Central Region ITA Player to Watch.

“Ela will go down as one of the most decorated players to ever come through this program,” Hegarty said. “If ever there was an award that personified all of her qualities, the Senior Player of The Year is it. The whole team is very proud of her for this recognition.”

After winning the central region’s senior honor, Kaluder is up for the national ITA Senior Player of the Year award.

Competing against Kaluder for the national award are: Beier Ko (Harvard), Laura Gioia (Furman), Alex Haney (Auburn), Georgia Rose (Northwestern), Kelcy Tefft (Notre Dame), Megan Falcon (LSU), Melanie Gloria (Fresno State) and Amanda Fink (USC).

This week, the No. 14 ranked Razorbacks are in College Station, Texas for their Sweet Sixteen matchup with the Duke Blue Devils at the George P. Mitchell Tennis Center on the Texas A&M campus. The match between Razorbacks and Blue Devils is set for 9 a.m. Friday May 15.

For more information and for complete coverage of Arkansas athletics, visit ArkansasRazorbacks.com.