SACRAMENTO, Calif. - St. Francis tennis coach Kristi Spector has been named the 2018-19 California State Coach of the Year for Girls Tennis as selected by the NFHS Coaches Association.

"We are so fortunate to have Kristi as our Tennis coach at St. Francis," said Athletic Director Mark McGreevy.  "She models a healthy competitive spirit and fosters a real feeling of sisterhood in the way she leads her teams.  As a masters athlete and mother of Troubie student-athletes, she brings a unique perspective to her coaching responsibilities.  The girls are prepared to compete at their best and know that they have a coaching staff that care deeply about them and are invested in their growth not only as athletes but as people."

Spector was nominated by the school to represent the Sac-Joaquin Section and chosen by the California Interscholastic Association. The NFHS recognizes Spector among those "who are leading their sport, shaping their athletes and contributing in a positive way to their community".

"I am honored to be recognized," said Spector. "It is staff award for me along with my two assistant coaches Camille Benvenuti and Mary Johnson. They have been integral to our success. We work great together as a team and focus on our individual strengths to assist the Troubies. I am blessed to be part of the program. St. Francis and the Athletc Department have given me such support on and off the court."

St. Francis went 21-3 overall in 2018 season and 12-0 in the Delta League to win the league title, capturing the title for the 29th time in school history. The Troubadours equaled the best finish in school history with their fifth NorCal semifinal appearance. St. Francis had also advanced to the semifinals in 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2017 and in the most recent season in 2019. Spector was also named the Delta League Coach of the Year for the third consecutive season.