Broward College Tennis Team Wins State Championship

Fort Lauderdale, Fla (April 28, 2017) – Following the Region 8 Tournament on April 21 and 22, the Broward College women’s tennis team recently secured the Florida College System Activities Association (FCSAA) state championship. The Seahawks advance to the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division 1 Championship Tournament starting May 7 in Tucson, Ariz.

The Seahawks ranked third in the nation in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) /NJCAA rankings heading into the tournament, winning three matches in a row and five of their last seven to clinch the title. The ladies finished their 2017 season with a 7-5 conference record.

“I’m overwhelmingly proud of all these girls,” said Marlena Hall, Broward College women’s tennis coach. “They battled physical aches and pains, as well as the stress that comes with studying for finals. They put their hearts on the line and it showed. I am confident going into the national tournament.”

This is the first state championship title for a Seahawks athletics team in more than a decade. The last title was the FCSAA State Championship, secured by the men’s basketball program during the 2005-2006 season. This is the first state title under the leadership of Hall, who was named the 2017 FCSAA Coach of the Year.  

Individual and doubles team accomplishments from the tournament include:

• Bianca Vitale named Number Four Singles Champion/FCSAA All-State
• Kaeli Smashey named Number Five Singles Runner-Up/FCSAA All-State
• Isidora Petkovic named Number Six Singles Runner-Up/FCSAA All-State
• The doubles team of Vitale/Smashey named the Number Two Doubles Runner-Up
• The doubles team of Goncharova/Petkovic named the Number Three Doubles Runner-Up

“I have been thoroughly impressed with the team’s relentless effort, sportsmanship, unselfishness and enthusiasm. Coach Hall and her staff have done an incredible job, and I could not more proud of their individual and collective achievements both in the classroom and on the court,” Robert Deutschman, Intercollegiate Athletics director, said.

The Seahawks advance to the NJCAA Division 1 Championship Tournament starting May 7 in Tucson, Ariz., marking the third appearance for the team at the competition. The team previously competed in 2012 and 2015. For more information on the women's tennis team and other Broward College sports, visit  www.broward.edu/studentlife/athletics.