May 16, 2006

Tulsa, Okla. -

Shea Simpson, The University of Tulsa women's tennis assistant coach, was selected as the Central Region Assistant Coach of the Year, while sophomore-transfer Arnau Brugues picked up ITA Central Region Player to Watch honors. Both accolades were voted on by the region's coaches and announced today by the ITA.

Simpson concluded his seventh season at TU. His coaching responsibilities include assisting with day-to-day administrative duties, recruiting and on-court instruction. Off the court, he oversees the day-to-day operations of the Michael D. Case Tennis Center, selected as the nation's top collegiate tennis facility in 2003 by the United States Tennis Association.

Since his arrival in 1999, Tulsa has posted a 106-69 overall record, made the NCAA Tournament twice and advanced to the Western Athletic Conference Championship match in 2000 and 2003, as well as making WAC semifinal appearances in 2001, 2002 and 2004.

This season, Simpson helped the women's team register a 14-12 duel record and advance to the Conference USA Championship semifinals. He was also instrumental in coaching first-team all-conference selection Santie Delport and third-team all-conference honoree Daniela Muscolino.

Seventh-ranked Brugues, the Conference USA Men's Tennis Player of the Year and all-conference fist-team selection, has registered a 17-2 mark this year, including a 9-1 record against ranked opponents. He has tallied impressive wins over Texas' 15th-ranked Travis Helgeson, Arkansas' 15th-ranked Adrians Zguns, Texas A&M's 16th-ranked Jerry Makowski, VCU's 19th-ranked Arnaud Lecloerec and Rice's 29th-ranked Robert Searle.

Brugues became the highest-ranked played in school history when he received a No. 6 Intercollegiate Tennis Association ranking on March 21st.

In doubles action, Brugues has combined for an 11-8 mark, including five wins with senior Aleksander Charpantidis. The duo, which received all-conference doubles accolades, claimed a 3-3 record over ranked opponents.