April 28, 2010
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Christine Johnston didn’t expect any post-season awards when she gave a media interview in March. The University of Kentucky women’s tennis player thought it would be great, but laughed it off when asked. Little did she know she would receive three honors within a three-day span from the Southeastern Conference and UK Athletics.
Johnston, a senior from Columbus, Ohio, was named to the SEC Community Service team on Monday afternoon, earned the Character Award at UK’s CATSPYs celebration Monday evening, and was tabbed Second Team All-SEC by the league coaches on Wednesday.
The flurry of awards began on Monday when Johnston was named to the SEC’s Community Service team for volunteering her time with numerous Lexington organizations, including God’s Food Pantry, the Salvation Army, the Dunbar Community Center and the annual SEC community food drive. Johnston is a first-time honoree joining former teammate Whitney Spencer as the most recent UK players named to this exceptional list.
Later Monday evening, Johnston received the Character Award at the CATSPYs, the annual ceremony commemorating the achievements of student-athletes in all of Kentucky’s 22 sports. The Character Award is given to a student¬-athlete of high moral value that demonstrates distinguished character on and off the court. Johnston becomes the first women’s tennis player to collect the honor.
On Wednesday, Johnston was awarded an All-SEC second-team selection. The recognition marked Johnston’s second All-SEC nod, after receiving the same accolade in 2008. This season, she led her team from the No. 3 singles position with a 13-7 overall record and 7-3 league mark. The 2010 Wildcat captain joins nine other women named to the All-SEC team under fifth-year head coach Carlos Drada.
“I am thrilled that Christine’s effort and character were recognized this year,” Drada said. “Despite having a challenging season, she continued leading her teammates by example on and off the court. I am confident that her passion and enthusiasm will help her continue her path of success.”
The much-celebrated senior saw her playing career come to a close last week when the Wildcats lost 4-0 to South Carolina in the first round of the SEC Tournament in Athens, Ga. Johnston is scheduled to graduate in December with a degree in Integrated Strategic Communications. Johnston has been a three-time SEC Academic Honor Roll selection (2007, 2008, and 2009) and was a 2009 State Farm Student-Athlete of the Month.
