VESTAL, N.Y. – The Intercollegiate Tennis Association announced its 2026 ITA Division I Men's Regional Awards on Tuesday and Andrew Fang and the Binghamton men's tennis team were recognized for their excellence both on the court and in their communities throughout the season. 

Fang earned the Arthur Ashe Leadership & Sportsmanship Award for his tremendous work in community service and youth mentorship.

"We are very proud of Andrew's work over the last four years and believe this is a well-deserved recognition," head coach Nick Zieziula said.

The Arthur Ashe Leadership & Sportsmanship Award, which dates back to 1982, is presented to men's and women's student-athletes who have exhibited outstanding sportsmanship and leadership, as well as scholastic, extracurricular and tennis achievements in ways that embody the legacy of tennis icon and humanitarian Arthur Ashe Jr.

The Vaughan, Ontario native has served in leadership roles with Tennis Charities of Binghamton, including the Game, Set, Grow! and PLAAY programs, where he mentors middle school students, leads on court activities, and helps expose youth to higher education opportunities. Andrew also secured grant funding to provide long-term tennis equipment for the PLAAY program, ensuring sustained access to quality programming for local youth.

Earlier this year, Fang was one of 20 athletes across all NCAA Divisions to be selected to the 2025-26 Allstate NACDA Good Works Team for his efforts in community service, volunteerism, and civic engagement. He also serves as Chair of the ITA Student-Athlete Council for Division I.

"The legacy that Arthur Ashe left on court and off the court is tremendous and to be mentioned in the same sentence as him a true honor," Zieziula stated. "Andrew strives to use sport for the best, connecting with teammates and opponents and seeking opportunities to bring the sport to as many youths as possible, especially to those who otherwise might not have the opportunity."

The Binghamton men's tennis team was awarded the ITA Community Service Winner for the New England Region. The program has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to meaningful community engagement through sustained partnerships, collaborative programming, and initiatives that positively impact both local youth and student-athletes.

The men's tennis program partners with multiple nonprofit organizations that use sport as a vehicle for youth development and mentorship. One of their most impactful initiatives is Game, Set, Grow!, an annual collaborative program with Tennis Charities of Binghamton and organizations across New York State, including Kids Come First Tennis (KCTL), the NYJTL Cary Leeds Center, and 15Love. These organizations support youth in inner-city communities through mentorship, academic guidance, and athletic development.

During the Game, Set, Grow! weekend, approximately 35 middle school students travel to Binghamton University for on-court tennis sessions with varsity men's and women's teams, a welcome banquet, hands-on POP Physics activities, and a tour of the School of Management. Varsity athletes guide participants and share their own experiences preparing academically and athletically for college. Community partners play an integral role in shaping the program, ensuring that youth voice is central to the initiative.

The team also maintains an ongoing partnership with the PLAAY (Preventing Long-term Anger and Aggression in Youth) program at MacArthur Elementary. PLAAY integrates physical activity with strategies for stress reduction and coping with social and racial challenges. Team members support the program during both fall and spring semesters, leading activities, organizing equipment, and mentoring participants. Despite demanding academic and athletic schedules, the team remains consistently dedicated to PLAAY year-round. Student-athletes also take initiative to support these programs.

"We are proud of the work that the whole team has done in engaging with our programs using sport to connect with others, improve our community and help themselves and others grow," Zieziula said. "We are grateful for our partners at Life is Washable Inc, Tennis Charities of Binghamton and the Binghamton City School District."