Claiming four of the last 10 national championships along with a slew of conference championships and other awards, Manuel Diaz can now add U.S. Olympic Committee National Coach of the Year for Tennis to the list of his accomplishments.

Nominated by the Olympic and Pan American sport organizations, Manuel Diaz, head coach of the Georgia men’s tennis team, received the award for the 2009 USOC National Coach of the Year for Tennis as a part of the ceremonies for the U.S. Open in Flushing, NY.

“It’s probably one of the most gratifying [things], because it recognizes not only my achievements, but every single one of my assistant coaches during my 21 years.

“Every single one of my players really just represent a long time of being involved in the sport, and all the people that have been a part of my coaching career truly have a part in this award,” Diaz said.

But, beyond his illustrious coaching career on the tennis court, and between practice and training sessions, his players note his character and beloved personality to be the most significant part of who Diaz is as a man.

“He’s so down to earth. We really relate really well. I’ve definitely become a lot closer to him over my time here. Whenever I have a problem, I go to him and talk to him,” senior Christian Vitulli said. “He understands, and we talk about everything as if we were friends.”

The value and significance of Diaz has played vital roles in the lives of many, leaving his footprint on his athletes’ lives that will remain forever.

“He’s a great coach, but even more than that, he’s a great mentor. He’s impacted my life tremendously, not only athletically, but also personally,” senior captain Jamie Hunt said. “He should receive a lot more credit than as just a tennis coach.”

Isner makes it to second-round play at U.S. Open

Former Bulldog John Isner trounced the No. 28 seed of the U.S. Open – Romania’s Victor Hanescu – in straight sets Monday, 6-1, 7-6 (16-14), 7-6 (7-5).

After making quick work of Hanescu in the first set, the Romanian forced Isner to hold off ten set points and forced a tiebreaker in a second set that lasted 71 minutes, which was just five minutes shorter than the other two sets combined.

Isner stepped off the court inside Louis Armstrong Stadium out-acing his opponent (13-9) and having hit 57 winners, along with 42 unforced errors.

His former teammate at Georgia Christian Vitulli watched closely as Isner fought his way into the second round of the hard court tournament.

“I actually had it on my phone while I was in class, I was watching the match,” Vitulli said. “This is his time of the year, especially with the hard courts and the faster pace. It suits his game a lot better. With his game, and if he does well he can go really far in the tournament.”

Isner is set to take on Marsel Ilhan of Turkey in second round action, which begins Wednesday evening.