Cowley tennis players recipients of exclusive ITA Awards

Helping their teams to record-setting seasons, Cowley College men's tennis player Takeshi Taco and Lady Tiger tennis player Alexandra Melnikova were recognized by the International Tennis Association (ITA) for their stellar play. Taco was named the ITA Male Sophomore Player of the Year, and Melnikova was named the ITA Female Rookie of the Year.

Taco, who came back to play an unprecedented third year at Cowley due to Covid rules, will go down as one of the most decorated junior college tennis players to ever play the game as he won a third straight singles title, this time defeating Tyler's Diego Dalisay in the finals of No. 1 singles. Taco also teamed with Bruno Nhavene to win his second doubles title.

Taco came back to Cowley for one simple reason, to win a national championship as a team after back-to-back national runner-up finishes. He helped the Tigers bring home their first national team title since 1991.

"I couldn't be prouder of Takeshi for receiving this award," Cowley head coach Manuel Raga said. "He's been a leader for our team for the past two years. This past season I have seen him work harder than ever on and off the court to make sure the team's goals were achieved." 

Melnikova finished as the national runner-up at No. 1 singles and also won a match at nationals at No. 1 doubles as she helped the Lady Tigers achieve their highest-ever national team finish as they ended the year as the national runner-up.

"Alexa has made a tremendous impact in our program during her first season," Raga said. "She came in January and was able to adapt very quickly to our team and style of play. She played No. 1 singles and No. 1 doubles for most of the season. Her finishing runner-up in the No. 1 singles bracket at nationals during her first semester in college makes me believe that she will have an outstanding year in her sophomore year, her future is bright, and I can't wait to see her back on the court competing for the Tigers."