ITA Names Speshilov and Palmer as 'Rookie of the Year' and 'Player to Watch'

The Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) announced on Friday that San Diego City College men's tennis players Nik Speshilov and Colin Palmer have been named Region I Rookie of the Year and Player to Watch, respectively. 

Speshilov earned ITA Rookie of the Year after going a perfect 9-0 in both singles and doubles during February as he helped the Knights to an undefeated 6-0 team record. He began the season by defeating non-conference #1's from Riverside, Orange Coast, and Saddleback. 

Speshilov then captured the singles #1 flight championship, and doubles #2 title with ITA Player to Watch partner Colin Palmer, at the Modesto tournament in mid-February, where the Knights placed second as a team.

Speshilov and Palmer were leading the Knights to their best season under Head Coach Brandon Lupian as they earned a No. 7 ranking in the state after a 7-2 start, including a 4-0 record when the season was cut short due to COVID-19.