Four Columbus State University Tennis Players Named ITA Scholar-Athletes

SKILLMAN, NJ – Four Columbus State University tennis players were named Scholar-Athletes by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA). The men's and women's teams were equally represented for CSU as Tracy Castillo and Renata Paiva made it for the Lady Cougars while Filip Cojbasic and Christophe Noblet were also named Scholar-Athletes for the Cougars.   

In order to earn ITA Scholar-Athlete status a player must meet the following criteria: 1.) be a varsity letter winner, 2.) have a grade point average of at least 3.50 (on a 4.00 scale) for the current academic year, and 3.) have been enrolled at their present school for at least 2 semesters (including freshman thorough senior year).

Castillo had another great season for Columbus State going 12-6 and leading the Lady Cougars to the finals of the Southeast Regional. She earned All-American status finishing the year ranked 16th in the nation. Castillo was also named an All-Peach Belt Conference player at singles and was a PBC All-Academic selection as well.  

Paiva was a key part of the Lady Cougar success this season as the sophomore went 7-0, including a 6-0 mark at the sixth singles position.  Paiva was also perfect inside the PBC with a 3-0 record.

Noblet was the leader of the Columbus State men's tennis team that made their second consecutive trip to the NCAA national semifinals. The senior went 10-8 on the season playing all of his matches at the number one position. He had three wins over nationally ranked opponents. In doubles he was equally as good finishing the year with a 20-4 record with his partner Gordan Divljak. The duo finished the year ranked second in the nation and were both named All-Americans.

Noblet was a member of the All-PBC second team for singles and first team for doubles. He was also chosen as a PBC All-Academic selection.

Cojbasic took the meaning of student-athlete to a new level at CSU. Cojbasic played doubles for the Cougars this season finishing the year with a 17-7 record with his partner Martin Shishkov. Cojbasic was named the school's first Elite 88 winner, which goes to the player with the highest GPA at the finals site of the NCAA's Championship. He was also a PBC All-Academic selection.