KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Western Michigan men's tennis, along with head coach Dave Morin, announced the team award winners and next season's captains following the conclusion of the 2016-17 season.
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TEAM MVP: Matt Hamilton, Senior, Wyoming, Mich.
Hamilton finished up his career at WMU tied for 10th in career wins in Bronco history after going 24-9 in singles and 20-7 in doubles this season. Following the MAC Tournament, he was named First Team All-MAC and to the All-MAC Tournament Team. Hamilton finished 24-9 overall in singles and went 6-1 in MAC play. He also went 20-7 in doubles and 5-1 in the MAC, along with a 15-3 record in dual matches. Hamilton was named part of the MAC Doubles Team of the Week twice, a MAC Player of the Week once and a MAC Male Scholar Athlete of the Week once.
Morin on Hamilton: "Matt has now been a three-time MVP for us and had a fantastic career for the Broncos. He's the epitome of what we look for when recruiting student-athletes, and will be greatly missed."
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Kennosuke Nouchi, Freshman, Kashima, Japan
Nouchi had a stellar freshman campaign for the Broncos, where he was named the MAC Newcomer of the Year, First Team All-MAC and to the All-MAC Tournament team. Nouchi was in the top-125 of the ITA Singles Rankings for multiple weeks during the season. He went 25-9 overall and 6-1 in the MAC, all of which were at No. 1 or No. 2 in the lineup. He went 22-9 overall and 2-2 in the MAC Doubles, while making the ITA Doubles Rankings with Daniel Loebel for nearly the entire spring season.
Morin on Nouchi: "Kenny had a phenomenal freshman year, and has an opportunity to be one of our all-time greats here at Western Michigan before he graduates."
MOST IMPROVED: Eric Olivarez, Sophomore, Paranaque City, Philippines
After going 12-6 in singles and 5-3 in doubles his freshman year, Olivarez made a huge jump his sophomore year, where he went 21-9 in singles and an impressive 18-2 in doubles. He went 9-3 at No. 6 in singles and along with partner Jannik Opitz, went a perfect 11-0 during matches and 6-0 in the MAC.
Morin on Olivarez (aka Jed): "Jed is one of our purest ball strikers and I think next year he could have a break-out year for us if he continues to work hard over the summer."
Co-Singles Players of the Year: Matt Hamilton & Kennosuke Nouchi
See above for information on Hamilton/Nouchi's season.
Doubles Team of the Year: Eric Olivarez & Jannik Opitz
Olivarez/Opitz went a perfect 11-0 together this season, including an impressive 6-0 mark in MAC play. They were named the MAC Doubles Team of the Week twice.
Hap Sorensen Coaches Award: Billy Heckman, Junior, Kalamazoo, Mich.
Heckman finished 4-3 in singles and went 19-8 in doubles play this season, including a 10-3 record in dual matches.
"Billy is the heart of our team and puts the team ahead of himself. I love his energy and what he brings to our program on a daily basis."
2017-18 Team Captains: Maik Steiner & Billy Heckman
"I look forward to the direction our team will move in under the leadership of Billy and Maik. We had a good year in '16-'17, but I think next year can really be special if we make some small adjustments."
