BUFFALO, NY - University at Buffalo women's tennis coach Kathy Twist has been selected as the 2002 PTR-Eastern Coach of the Year by the Eastern Section of the Professional Tennis Registry. Twist received the award on Saturday, January 18 in a ceremony in White Plains, NY.

UB coach Kathy Twist

The award, one of the most prestigious given by the PTR, recognizes organization members who have demonstrated the highest standards in the coaching of players or teams in their accomplishments and character. Areas of consideration include academic performance, community or school service and team rankings and accomplishments. Twist's overall tennis and coaching philosophy of developing athletes into not only top players, but also outstanding citizens, helped her earn the annual recognition from the organization.

Twist, in her seventh season as head coach of the UB women's program, has guided the Bulls to their best start since 1998, finishing the fall campaign with a 5-1 dual meet mark. The team begins its spring season, including Mid-American Conference play, in late February.

"It is a great honor to have the PTR recognize my work as a coach," said Twist. "The research and commitment the PTR has offered to its members has helped me improve as a player and a coach. I thank them for this wonderful recognition."

A USPTR Certified Professional, Twist has worked as a tennis instructor and teaching professional at several area tennis clubs. In addition to her coaching duties, she is an instructor at UB, teaching first aid and beginner and intermediate tennis courses.

The Professional Tennis Registry was founded by world-renowned coach Dennis Van der Meer to educate, certify and service tennis teachers and coaches around the world. The organization now includes 10,300 tennis teachers in 122 countries.