May 17, 2004
University of New Mexico women’s tennis head coach Kathy Kolankiewicz has been named the 2004 Intercollegiate Tennis Association Central Region Coach of the Year for the third time in her career at UNM. Kolankiewicz, who just completed her 19th season with the Lobos, was awarded ITA coach of the year in 1997 and in 1999.
Over the years with the Lobos, Kolankiewicz has won 61 percent of her matches, posting an impressive 290-184 career record. This season, she led the Lobos to several victories over top regional competitors, including BYU and Oklahoma. Kolankiewicz also coached the No. 1 central region doubles team of senior Sandy Lukowski and sophomore Maja Kovacek. The duo had an outstanding fall run, winning the entire ITA Central Region Championship for the first time in Lobo women’s tennis history.
The top three doubles teams for New Mexico had a solid season, compiling an overall record of 93-20. With a strong doubles lineup and a talented group of individuals, the Lobos ended the 2004 season with an outstanding record of 20-5.
In the national rankings, UNM is currently listed as No. 31 in the nation. The Lobos started the 2003-04 season at No. 54 and by the middle of the schedule climbed to their highest national ranking at No. 21. The last time Kolankiewicz coached a team that reached a No. 21 ranking was in 1999.
Other coaching awards Kolankiewicz received this season were the 2003 United States Professional Tennis Association Southwest Section College Coach of the Year award and the 2004 Mountain West Conference Coach of the Year award.