Both University of North Georgia (UNG) tennis teams have advanced to the NCAA Division II championship site at Sanlando Park in Altamonte Springs, Florida, placing them each among the final 16 teams in their respective brackets.

The UNG women are back a year after advancing all the way to the national semifinals, and the men are making their first appearance at the national championship site. Head coach Kent Norsworthy leads both programs.

UNG's women (20-6), the No. 4 seed, face No. 13 seed Queens (New York) (10-5) at 8 a.m. May 21. The UNG men (14-7), as the No. 11 seed, take on No. 6 seed Azusa Pacific (23-4) at noon May 20. Both events are single-elimination and run five days.

"It is amazing for the programs to not only have the women return for the second year in a row, but also have the men's team join us on the journey," Norsworthy said. "The women have really had a realistic view of what this team could accomplish this year. It is an honor to coach these groups to another trip to the national site."

Even with rain moving the women's team's portion of the Southeast Regional to Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina, nothing was slowing the Nighthawks down from making it back to nationals. Following a 4-0 victory against Georgia College & State University, UNG earned a matching 4-0 win against Columbus State University.

That marked three victories this season against the Peach Belt Conference rival and nationally ranked Cougars.

"It is definitely special. These girls deserved this. It really makes all of the tough days and long weekends worth it when you reach this point in the season," Norsworthy said. "It wasn't easy. We had to get through some adversity with injuries and a few tough losses. But they always managed to step back up to the line and go again."

Senior Ashley Moinard was part of the historic 2024 team and is back for this season's run.

"It's incredibly rewarding, especially because this team is so different from last year's. For us seniors, going back to nationals means a lot because we knew what it would take, we've been there before, and we wanted to set the example for the rest of the team," Moinard said. "From day one, we were focused and ready to put in the work. Seeing everyone understand and buy into the process makes it even more special. It's not just about going back; it's about showing that last year wasn't luck."

Norsworthy said the UNG men, who now have seven victories against ranked opponents, have grown throughout the season.

"I can't say enough about this group of guys. They are the definition of a team. They are working together toward an ultimate goal. Different guys have stepped up at different times," Norsworthy said. "It has been fun watching this group gain the confidence to compete with the best teams in the country."

He pointed to accountability as a major factor for the men.

"They really kept each other in check in the good times and the tough times. This season could have gotten away from us," Norsworthy said. "There were some times we questioned how they would respond to a few results. But they continued to work and believe that they could earn a spot here."

Senior Robin Eldin is grateful to be a part of making history.

"I'm looking forward to representing our school on a national stage and being able to compete for a national championship. It's a great opportunity for the team to keep proving who we are and keep improving," Eldin said. "We are ready to fight for each other for this national championship."

Norsworthy has enjoyed the journey with both teams.

"Being around both of these groups is just enjoyable. It is the part between the matches that I think all of the players will miss the most," Norsworthy said. "You remember the wins and losses, but what stays with you the most are the moments in between. The destination is always more enjoyable when you love the people you are on the journey with."