Connor Christian named male recipient of the Wilson/ITA Promoter of the Year Award

ADA — Ohio Northern senior Connor Christian (Gallipolis/Gallia Academy) has been named the male recipient of the Wilson/ITA Promoter of the Year award.

| ITA/Wilson promoter of the Year Award (.docx) | ITA Tennis site |

Christian and Anastasia Rentouli of Mississippi State will receive a paid summer internship in the Grassroots Marketing department at Wilson's global headquarters in Chicago, Ill., for winning the award.

"This is truly an opportunity of a lifetime," Christian said. "Wilson has always been there in my tennis career and the experience will not only shape my future but allow me to inspire future generations. I am beyond thankful to accept this award and position with such an outstanding company.

"Coming in last year and into a situation where we were building a team, I had an opportunity to make an impact by promoting excellence and high character. From the court to the classroom there are no off days, and to achieve success one must put in hard work and effort day in and day out." 

Christian has gained significant practical experience during his collegiate career, serving marketing internships with York Golf & Tennis (York, ME), Café Pomigliano and Graffiti Lake in Chicago. He gained additional experience working for the Van Der Meer Tennis Academy in Hilton Head, S.C.

This season, Christian posted a 14-8 singles record, playing primarily at the Nos. 5-6 spots, and was 14-6 in doubles play with an 11-6 mark at No. 3.

In his two seasons on the Polar Bear varsity, Christian compiled a 24-24 singles record, a 32-14 doubles mark and a 56-38 overall record.

Each year, the Wilson/ITA National Promoter of the Year Award recognizes two student-athletes who advance the game of tennis by devoting consistent time and effort to promotional activities, and by supporting and bringing awareness to their school program and to college tennis in general.

Rentouli and Christian will assist with the day-to-day projects for the entire Grassroots and Marketing team. Interns will have an opportunity to work and experience all the different facets of Wilson Racquet Sports from tennis balls, racquets (performance and recreational), promotions/marketing, U.S. tour, indoor (racquetball, squash, badminton and paddle), accessories and apparel/footwear.

The Polar Bears finished the 2018-19 season with a 14-8 record, finished third in the OAC with a 5-2 mark and reached the finals of the OAC Tournament under third-year head coach Mike Bonnell.