Rhodes Athletic Hall of Fame
When Nao Kinoshita arrived at Rhodes in fall 1993, Coach Sarah Hatgas paid a whole lot of attention. Coach Hatgas had worked tirelessly to convince Nao and her parents that Rhodes was where she needed to continue her education and tennis career. It didn’t take long for this diminutive first-year tennis player to make her mark on the Rhodes tennis program and the national tennis scene. In the fall of her freshman year Nao won the South Rolex singles title, earning the first of three trips to the National Rolex Tournament. She followed her fall performance with a runner-up finish in the 1994 NCAA Division III singles tournament.
In May 1995, Nao became Rhodes’ first athlete to win a NCAA Division III National Championship. She followed that victory with another singles title in 1997. In that same tournament, Nao and doubles partner. Taylor Tarver, also captured the NCAA Division III Doubles Championship. Nao was named the 1997 Division III National Player of the Year by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA). In 1995 and 1997 she was named the National Honda Player of the Year.
Nao captured the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) singles title and was named the SCAC Player of the Year in 1994, 1995 and 1997. In fall 1995, Nao captured the Rolex Small College singles title. She was selected All American by the ITA each of her four years at Rhodes. Perhaps just as impressive as her individual and doubles titles was her overall record. Nao was an amazing 81-7 overall, and was 80-4 against her Division III opponents.
When asked what made Nao Kinoshita a champion tennis player, Coach Hatgas stated: “The one trait that separated Nao from the rest of her peers was her love of the game. Nao also had a passion for competing. She would compete in practice just as hard as she would compete in a match. Nao loved to hit the tennis ball.”
In recognition of her excellence she achieved on the tennis court and the honor she brought her alma mater, we are pleased to induct NAO KINOSHITA WYLIE into the Rhodes Athletic Hall of Fame this 19th day of October, 2007.
