TEMPE, Ariz. – West Liberty University women's tennis standout Emma Arnal has been selected as the 2022 Atlantic Region Freshman of the Year by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA).
    Arnal, who came to WLU from Seysses-Saves, France, is no stranger to post-season awards as the impressive newcomer was a first-team All-Mountain East Conference pick and the MEC Freshman of the Year after helping lead Coach Heather Gallagher's Hilltoppers to a share of the MEC regular-season title and a bid to the 2022 NCAA Division II Atlantic Region Tournament.
    The Black and Gold standout was a Top 5 pick in the ITA's final Atlantic Region singles and doubles rankings, checking in at No. 4 in singles play and No. 5 in doubles. Two of her freshman teammates – Evelina Martirosyan and Daria Shchoma – also earned regional rankings with sophomore Gemma Cliffe hitting the list for the second consecutive season.
    "This was a special year for our team and our freshmen played a huge role in that," Gallagher said. "I was very happy to see three of them recognized in last week's regional rankings and Emma being named Atlantic Region Rookie of the Year is a great way to cap off the year.
    "I believe individual success is achieved when teammates constantly support and push each other to compete at the highest level. It's important to celebrate these individual honors because they are tangible examples of the rewards that come with that shared and supportive pursuit of a common goal."
    As one of the eight regional winners, Arnal automatically advances to the ballot for the ITA National Freshman of the Year Award. The national winners will be announced next week.
    Here's a list of the 2022 ITA Atlantic Region awards:
  Wilson ITA Coach of the Year
   - Larry Peterson, Indiana (Pa.)
ITA Assistant Coach of the Year
   - J.J. Casto, W.Va. State
ITA Rookie of the Year
   - EMMA ARNAL, WEST LIBERTY
ITA Most Improved Senior
   - Laura Dunarova, Indiana (Pa.)
ITA Senior Player of the Year
   - Karolin Kirchtag, Indiana (Pa.)
ITA Community Service Award
  - Frostburg State