George Washington University Athletics
Buth Named A-10 Women's Tennis Coach of the Year
5/7/2010 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
May 7, 2010
WASHINGTON, DC - George Washington women's tennis head coach Dawn Buth was named Atlantic 10 Women's Tennis Coach of the Year, in a vote conducted by the league's head coaches, the Atlantic 10 Conference announced Friday.
"This is an exciting award to receive and I feel privileged to receive this recognition among so many great coaches in the Atlantic 10," said Buth. "Our goal at the beginning of the season was to maximize our existing talents and to work above and beyond to improve all areas."
Buth, in her sixth season at GW, led the Colonials to their first A-10 Championship final since 1997 and first 11-win season since the 2001-02 season. The Wichita, KS native is the first GW coach since Joe Mesmer to be named A-10 Coach of the Year, when he won back-to-back awards in 1992 and 1993.
"The most important decision in this process was to transform our team culture," said Buth. "We had outstanding leadership and performance from our first team All-Conference recipients Jacqueline Corba and Mimi Hamling, as well as fantastic team of coaches in Assistant Coach Pamela Duran and Volunteer Assistant Chris Tran. We worked resolutely together to change the culture of this team to meet these goals."
As a sophomore co-captain, Corba posted a 17-4 spring record at No. 1 singles for the Colonials, while compiling a 12-9 record at No. 2 doubles. At the 2010 A-10 Championships, Corba won the deciding singles match against Charlotte to advance GW into the Finals against Richmond. She was a second team honoree in 2009.
"Having earned back to back team MVP honors and All-Conference Awards, Jacqui is steadily defining her legacy in our program as one of its fiercest competitors and influential leaders," said Buth.
Freshman Hamling and Dorota Lysienia, who was named to the All-Conference second team, stepped up into top singles roles this season. Hamling went 11-10 in her first season at No. 2 singles. She also posted a 13-7 doubles record at No. 1 doubles. Lysienia played significant time at No. 3 singles for GW this season, posting a 5-16 record and 6-10 record in doubles action.
"Bringing in new players, like Mimi and Dorota, who will come in and perform at the top levels of collegiate competition is a crucial component to the success of our program," said Buth. "Mimi and Dorota are terrific examples of players who are not only talented athletes, but who embody the strong commitment and work ethic necessary for successful Division I student-athletes. This continual process of recruiting student-athletes who are both a good fit for our program and for the University is a top priority for us here at GW."
