ISU Tennis Passes Out Annual Awards

AMES, Iowa - The Iowa State tennis team held its annual end of the year banquet to honor its seniors and other individual honors last Sunday in the Jacobsen Athletic Building. The awards were voted on by the current team members.

Senior Jill Palen, was named the team's MVP for the third consecutive season. The Rochester, Minn., native finished her four-year career at ISU by playing the No. 1 singles slot her sophomore through senior seasons. Palen was also recognized by her teammates by winning the "Best Attitude on and off the Court."

"I think it is truly an honor for Jill that her teammates not only voted her for MVP, but also selected her for the 'Best Attitude On and Off the Court'," head coach Michele Conlon said. "I also think it is great for the team. Anytime you have a No. 1 player with terrific talent and a good attitude, it sets the tone for the whole team."

Sophomore Kara Hickey was voted by her teammates for the Hardest Worker Award. The Columbia, Mo., native was also recognized for her on-court performances against Oklahoma State back on April 7.

Junior Chrissy Derouin was honored with the Super Cyclone Spirit Award by her teammates for her positive motivation and encouragement to the Cyclone squad. Derouin was also recognized with freshman teammate Alyssa Palen for numerous on-court performances. The duo recorded seven doubles wins during the spring. The Cyclone tandem of Kara Hickey and Eve Soriano was also recognized for their on-court performances, specifically for defeating Texas' No. 1 duo of Sarah Lancaster and Courtney Zauft back on Jan. 26.

Freshman Dora Losonczy was nominated by her teammates as the Most Improved Player. The Budapest, Hungary, native, made vast improvements as she had to adapt to a new style of tennis play.

Senior Danielle Uscinski received the "Persistence Award" after battling back from an injured wrist in the winter and early spring months and junior Caitlin Loprinzi received the annual "Sharon Mathes Mental Toughness Award." Uscinski also took the reigns of being named team captain for the third straight year.

"It speaks very highly of our team atmosphere that each team member received an honor at our annual banquet," Conlon said.

Players Mentioned

Chrissy Derouin

Chrissy Derouin

Kara Hickey

Kara Hickey

Caitlin Loprinzi

Caitlin Loprinzi

Alyssa Palen

Jill Palen

Jill Palen

Eve Soriano

Eve Soriano

Danielle Uscinski

Danielle Uscinski

Sponsors

Iowa State University Athletics