SAINT LEO, Fla. – The Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) selected the Saint Leo Lions' very own head coach Chad Berryhill as the 2022 Wilson ITA National Coach of the Year. The national tennis organization noted on their webpage, "Berryhill's contributions to both Saint Leo Tennis as well as the entire Saint Leo Athletic Department have been numerous."
 
During his sixth season at Saint Leo, Berryhill recovered from losing his top player unexpectedly and turned around a 21-4 season mark, recording the program's 10^th NCAA postseason appearance. The Lions wrapped up the season ranked fifth nationally along with numerous awards including Berryhill's Region Coach of the Year, Nataliia Vlasova South Regional Assistant Coach of the Year honor, Marta Vicens Miquel receiving the Arthur Ashe Leadership & Sportsmanship Award, and the team being honored as the South Region Community Service Award recipient. All-America, All-Region, and All-Sunshine State Conference honors also followed the tremendous season. 
 
While Berryhill wasn't occupying the Saint Leo Tennis Center, he frequented the Marion Bowman Activities Center as the basketball scores table as the clock and scoreboard operator, serving the greater athletic department community. In addition, he taught his team how to serve the surrounding community. The Saint Leo women's tennis team helped the Benedictine Sisters of Florida, volunteering as the NCAA Division II Cross Country National Championship course marshals, host free tennis clinics, and partnering with the SVB Tennis and Wellness Center.
 
The ITA release stated, "Berryhill's teams are always known for their sportsmanship and strong contributions in the classroom, having one of the best team GPAs within the Saint Leo athletic department year after year."
 
In honor of the national recognition, Saint Leo Vice President and Athletic Director, Fran Reidy, wrote coach Berryhill a letter expressing his appreciation and pride.
Chad,
Congratulations on receiving the Wilson's Women's ITA Coach of the Year Award. You are very deserving of this prestigious award. It is especially gratifying when your fellow coaches acknowledge your hard work, commitment to your student-athletes, and the sport of collegiate tennis. When you consider you also coach a highly successful and one of the best men's programs in the country, the accomplishment is even more impressive.
Significantly, the people you compete with see the same highly competitive leader, but one who holds integrity and collaboration at the forefront in all you do as a coach. Everyone at Saint Leo sees your highly professional interaction with staff and student-athletes each day. We are fortunate to have you with the Lions.
Again, congratulations on this tremendous recognition. Thank you for all you do for your student-athletes and Saint Leo University.
 
For the latest news, updates, and information on Saint Leo tennis teams, be sure to visit SaintLeoLions.com. Fans can also stay up-to-date on the latest Lions news by following Saint Leo Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.