Diep named ITA Assistant of the Year

PERKINSTON — Mississippi Gulf Coast's Chris Diep has been named ITA Junior College Men's Tennis National Assistant Coach of the Year.

"It means so much to me," Diep said. "I started my tennis career here, and coming back to coach with one of my best buds is great. It's one of the best teams around made up of best individuals around. It means a whole bunch."

The Bulldog alum is in his first season as an assistant under former teammate Sam Blackburn. They led the men's team to MACCC and NJCAA Region 23 runner-up finishes this year. Gulf Coast went 12-3 in dual matches. 

The award was handed out at the Sunday night banquet before the NJCAA Division I Men's Tennis Championship gets started in Florence, S.C. Gulf Coast will start play in the tournament on Monday.

Diep was also named the ITA Region III recipient of the same award.

"He's done a great job helping me as the head coach and making my life way easier," Blackburn said. "He's been extremely helpful to the guys, making the team better. He's helped them on and off the court, and he's absolutely deserving of this award."

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