Tony Bresky Crowned ITA National Coach of the Year: A Triumph for Wake Forest Tennis
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Following an exhilarating victory snagging his second NCAA championship last month, Wake Forest men’s tennis head coach Tony Bresky has been distinguished as the ITA National Coach of the Year, a prestigious title he earned yet again, delighting fans and players alike. This exciting announcement was made by the organization on Friday morning, and it marks an impressive milestone in Bresky’s coaching career.
A Well-Deserved Recognition
Receiving this award is not without its significance; this is Bresky’s second ITA National Coach of the Year award, having first received it in 2018. Just this week, he was also honored with his sixth ITA Carolina Regional Coach of the Year honor. "It’s a great honor to be named ITA National Coach of the Year," Bresky commented with heartfelt humility. "There are so many excellent coaches across the country. This award reflects the incredible teamwork and dedication of our coaching staff and players. Without them, I wouldn’t be a good coach."
Joining an Elite Company
Bresky’s achievement positions him as the fifth Wake Forest head coach to earn multiple National Coach of the Year awards, joining the ranks of notable figures such as Kim Lewellen (women’s golf), Jay Vidovich (men’s soccer), Jen Averill (field hockey), and Jesse Haddock (men’s golf).
Moreover, this accolade adds to Wake Forest’s impressive legacy, marking the 16th overall national coach of the year honor in the university’s history—with 12 honors awarded just since the start of the 21st century. The Demon Deacons now boast three active national coach of the year winners: Bresky, Averill, and Lewellen, together collectively contributing to a remarkable seven national honors earned during their tenures.
All-Time Wake Forest National Coach of the Year Winners
- Taylor Samford, Baseball (1955)
- Jesse Haddock, Men’s Golf (1974, 1975)
- John Mackovic, Football (1979)
- Dianne Dailey, Women’s Golf (2001)
- Brian Fleishman, Women’s Tennis (2002)
- Jen Averill, Field Hockey (2002, 2003, 2004)
- Jim Grobe, Football (2006)
- Jay Vidovich, Men’s Soccer (2007, 2008)
- Tony Bresky, Men’s Tennis (2018, 2025)
- Kim Lewellen, Women’s Golf (2020, 2023)
Stellar Performance on the Court
In the current season, Bresky has propelled Wake Forest to greater heights, leading the team to its second NCAA championship, a second ITA National Team Indoor Championship, and an impressive fourth ACC regular season title. Individually, his guidance has resulted in five All-ACC members and four All-Americans for the 2025 season.
Wake Forest’s Team Success Under Bresky
- NCAA Championships: 2018, 2025
- ACC Tournament Titles: 2016, 2018, 2019
- ACC Regular Season Titles: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2025
- ITA National Team Indoor Championships: 2018, 2025
A Record-Breaking Season
Just this week, standout players Stefan Dostanic and Charlie Robertson received accolades as the ITA Carolina Regional Senior Player of the Year and ITA Carolina Regional Rookie of the Year, respectively. The Demon Deacons capped off the 2025 campaign with a formidable 40 wins, a program and ACC record, including 25 victories against ranked opponents. Notably, they achieved 11 wins against top-ten teams and seven against institutions ranked in the top five.
Wake Forest’s dominance in doubles was remarkable, posting an astonishing 79-21 record, and accumulating 38 of 41 possible opening points this season—thought to be an NCAA record. In singles, the team excelled, combining for a 138-42 record, setting new program benchmarks for both singles and doubles victories.
More to Come
Bresky now joins the elite company of coaches in Wake Forest history who have won multiple national championships, alongside renowned figures like Jen Averill (Field Hockey) and Jesse Haddock (Men’s Golf). With an impressive total of 369 wins, he is the winningest head coach in the history of the program.
Keep Up with the Deacs
For those eager to follow the journey of Wake Forest men’s tennis and stay updated on the latest news, connect with them on:
Tony Bresky’s leadership and dedication continue to inspire players and fans alike, setting the stage for even greater success in the future. With accolades like the ITA National Coach of the Year under his belt, the future looks bright for Wake Forest men’s tennis!
