Terry Deremer Named Wilson ITA Division II Men's Tennis National Coach of the Year

Terry Deremer was voted the 2023 Wilson Intercollegiate Tennis Association Division II Men’s Tennis National Coach of the Year, the association announced on Tuesday (June 6). 

“I am honored for the recognition,” said Deremer. “It is very special, and I am incredibly proud of what our players and staff have been able to build here at Fairmont State. It is a special place.” 

The Mountain East Conference Coach of the Year led the Fairmont State men’s tennis team to a historic season which culminated in a trip to the NCAA National Tournament. Deremer’s squad won a program-best 18 dual victories during the 2023 season. The Fairmont State Athletics Hall of Famer helped his team improve by 10 wins from the 2022 season. The Falcons captured the Mountain East Conference Tournament Championship after a thrilling 4-3 win over top-seeded Charleston under Deremer’s direction. The Falcons achieved their highest ITA National Team ranking in program history and were slotted No. 32 in the final ITA rankings of 2023. 

Five of Deremer’s players earned All-MEC honors this season including All-MEC First Team honoree Elia Barozzi and All-MEC Second Team players Mohamed El Helaly, Alexandre Pages, Seena Saadevandi and Kan Watanabe. Barozzi was selected as the NCAA ELITE 90 winner at the national championship site and was later named a College Sports Communicators Academic All-American. 

Deremer becomes the first coach in MEC history to earn the recognition from the ITA. He is the first Fairmont State head coach to receive a national coach of the year award since 1976 when Joe Retton was selected as the NAIA Coach of the Year.