With only weeks before the start of their 2020 season, Oxford tennis coach Louis Nash is getting statewide accreditation.

Nash, entering his 20th year coaching at Oxford High, was named the United States Professional Tennis Association Coach of the Year for the state of Mississippi earlier this month.

“The USPTA is a bunch of teaching pros around the state, so it’s a great group of people that know what they’re doing. So, of course anytime you get recognized, it’s a good thing,” Nash said. “I appreciate it, but it means a bunch of good players had good seasons, and when they do that, your team does well. It makes me look like I know what I’m doing.”

The award is for recognition in the 2019 season, one in which they lost in the 6A North Half final for the second time in as many years. They also had a pair of Mack Schuesselin and Brown Turner win state in doubles.

Yet, despite falling in the semifinals, the highlight of Oxford’s 2019 season came in March, when a win over crosstown foe Lafayette netted Nash his 500th win as a coach.

“That 500th win was mentioned,” Nash said. “But the same thing I said when it happened: I’ve been on the bus with a lot of good players that played really well when we got to the destination. When they do that, you’re going to have success. And I’ve been very fortunate in that regard. It’s a lot of fun for me, and it’s still fun.”

Now in their second week of official practice for the upcoming spring season, Oxford has their eyes set on their first 6A title, something Nash and the Chargers achieved for 10 straight years at the 5A level.