Aug. 18, 2009

LEXINGTON, Ky. – University of Kentucky women’s tennis head coach Carlos Drada has always included academics in his team philosophy. Now four members of his 2008-09 squad were recognized for their academic excellence by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association. Seniors Christine Johnston, Whitney Spencer, and Sarah Woestmann and sophomore Caroline Lilley were all named 2009 ITA Scholar-Athletes.

“I am thrilled for our players to be recognized,” Drada said. “This is a testament to the hard work and priority they give to their academics. It also shows our team philosophy of giving their maximum effort in everything we do. We want to excel not only on the court but in everything we are involved in athletically and academically.”

In order to earn ITA Scholar-Athlete status a player must meet the following criteria: 1.) be a varsity letter winner, 2.) have a grade point average of at least 3.50 (on a 4.00 scale) for the current academic year, and 3.) have been enrolled at their present school for at least 2 semesters (including freshman through senior year).

Woestmann, Johnston, Spencer and Lilley were also named to the 2009 Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll. Johnston is a three-time member of the SEC honor roll and was named to the second-team All-SEC in 2008. Spencer and Woestmann have also appeared on the conference honor roll list multiple times.

The Wildcats will return to action this September for the fall tournament season. The regular team competition season begins in January 2010.