Nassau Community College Captures NJCAA National Championship

June 4, 2014 | By Brian Coleman
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The Nassau Community College men’s tennis team had been a bridesmaid but never a bride for the past four seasons, finishing at least fourth in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division III national tournament but never being able to be the last team standing.

Nassau went undefeated in 2013, finishing with a 12-0 record but falling just a ½ point short of being national champions. The Lions rebounded very nicely in 2014, going undefeated once again and returning to Plano, Texas for the national championships.

The Nassau Lions edged out Gloucester Community College and Suffolk Community College on the final day of play back in mid-May to capture that elusive championship.

“Last year's team finished second at nationals and it was a hard-fought amazing experience,” said head coach Cheryl Novins. “This year, with only one player returning, it is utterly amazing that the guys were able to bond so quickly and come together to win Nationals.”

Entering the tournament’s last day, Nassau was tied with Suffolk at 21 points while Gloucester was right behind them with 20. After the singles play wrapped up, the Lions needed just one win in either of the two doubles matches to clinch Nassau’s first men’s tennis national title in 13 years.

Nassau took home both of the doubles matches, starting with the number two doubles tandem of Daniel Baruch and Jace Koretz. The pair cruised past Bergen Community College’s pair to seal the championship for the Lions. For good measure, Roey Heymann and Mike Nelson knocked off the number one doubles pair from Suffolk as well.

Despite returning only one player from last season’s team (Heymann), the Lions were loaded with talent this year. Mike Nelson (second singles), Jace Koretz (third singles), Heymann and Nelson (first doubles), and Koretz and Baruch (second doubles), were all named first team All-Americans. Heymann was named the NJCAA Division III Coaches Association Player of the Year, while head coach Cheryl Novins earned the Max Grubbs NJCAA Division III National Coach of the Year award.

“I have coached so many great players and great teams over the years, and I have so many memories both on and off court, but winning Nationals was an experience I will never forget,” reflected Novins. “I watched my players come together and become a cohesive unit. We definitely won as a team.”


Brian Coleman
Senior Editor, Long Island Tennis Magazine
Brian Coleman is the Senior Editor for Long Island Tennis Magazine. He may be reached at brianc@usptennis.com.
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