TEMPE, Ariz. – Jones College's
Ethin McKinnon leads the list of ITA Award winners for the Bobcat men's tennis team.
McKinnon has been named the winner of the prestigious national and Region III ITA Arthur Ashe Leadership and Sportsmanship Award. This award goes to student-athletes who have exhibited outstanding sportsmanship and leadership, as well as scholastic, extracurricular and tennis achievements.
The team received the ITA Region III Community Service Award.
Matias Ruiz was selected as the ITA Region III Sophomore of the Year and head coach
Brooks Buffington was named ITA Region III Coach of the Year.
McKinnon, a sophomore from Vancleave, has been a solid contributor to the Bobcat program since arriving on campus. Coming off major surgery during his senior year of high school, McKinnon spent a lot of time rehabbing and was able to compete his freshman year going unbeaten in conference play.
Entering his sophomore season this year, McKinnon took on a new leadership role and had high hopes for his season both on and off the court. However, in the fall, McKinnon re-tore his labrum shortly after winning the flight B doubles draw at the ITA Regional Championships.
Knowing he can still make an impact, McKinnon took on a new role this spring as a player assistant coach and served as a DPA for every match this spring. McKinnon continues to leave a lasting impact on the Jones team even off the court and has supported each of his teammates, pushing them to achieve the very best that they can.
Academically, McKinnon takes his studies just as seriously holding a 3.8 GPA.
McKinnon is the fourth Bobcat to win the coveted award, joining James McWilliams (2020), Trey Hilton (2021) and
Dawson Do (2024).
Ruiz, a sophomore from Buenos Aries, Argentina, went 26-3 in singles and teamed mostly with
Tom Garrett to go 21-5 in doubles this spring. He helped the Bobcats to a 16-5 record and their second MACCC and Region 23 championships. He was named All-MACCC and was the MACCC Player of the Year.
Buffington has done an amazing job in his nine years as head coach.
He has guided the men's team to a 137-44 record during his tenure. The Bobcats have made 15 combined (men and women) NJCAA Tournament appearances under Buffington.
He has now been named men's ITA Region III Coach of the Year three times, MACCC men's Coach of the Year four consecutive time and men's Region 23 Coach of the Year three times.
Every year the ITA recognizes coaches and student-athletes for their excellence both on the court and in their communities throughout the season.
The Bobcats are currently competing in the NJCAA Division I Tournament in Florence, S.C.
