The Intercollegiate Tennis Association ("ITA") is pleased to announce the 2026 ITA CCCAA Men's National Award recipients.
Every year the ITA recognizes coaches and student-athletes for their excellence both on the court and in their communities throughout the season.
The CCCAA national awards include: ITA Dunlop/Coach of the Year, ITA Assistant Coach of the Year, Arthur Ashe Leadership & Sportsmanship Award, ITA Rookie of the Year, ITA Most Improved Sophomore, and the ITA Sophomore Player of the Year.
And Irvine Valley sophomore Jonathan Hinkel, who helped Irvine Valley to its second 3C2A team title in a row and the fifth in program history earned the 2026 Arthur Ashe Leadship & Sportsmanship Award for the state.
He served as a captain for the Irvine Valley men's tennis team in 2026.
Irvine Valley defeated Foothill, 5-0, in the state final at Ventura College last Wednesday. He won a key doubles match with freshman Richard Petery, 8-3, on the third court to help set the tone for the match.
Hinkel strived to bring all of his teammates together and to create an environment in which everyone could thrive.
Out of Corona del Mar High, he helped lead his team to back-to-back 3c2A State Championships.
Hinkel was unbeaten in singles play during the regular season and only had one loss in doubles against junior college competition.
Within the community, Hinkel spends time coaching youth tennis at the same academy in which he played, and also time volunteers at an elementary school.
Hinkel has been recognized as Irvine Valley College's Character Champion and as a nominee for the Orange Empire Conference Character Champion Award for outstanding leadership and community engagement.
