Achieving goals has been the main motivational factor for NIU men’s tennis player Brian Livingston.

That motivation certainly paid off for Livingston, the 2007-08 MAC Player of the Year.

“I kept my eye on the prize,” Livingston said. “I knew I had to win in singles and doubles [to achieve this].”

Winning in singles and doubles was exactly what Livingston did this year. The junior went 24-6 in singles on the season, also compiling a 20-8 record in doubles while paired with teammate Adam Ford.

Even more impressive was Livingston’s spring record. He went 17-2 in dual meet competition in the spring, including a 14-match win streak.

Livingson culminated his season by being named to the All-MAC First Team, as well as the All-MAC Tournament Team. Livingston ended his season by avenging one of his two spring losses, beating Western Michigan’s Kevin Hayward 6-0, 6-4 in the MAC Tournament semifinals.

“It was a great honor for both Brian and our program,” said resigning NIU coach Pontus Hiort.

Livingston was the first Huskie to take home the award since Willy Gali in 2005.