Nov. 10, 2011
LEXINGTON, Ky. – University of Kentucky men’s tennis senior Eric Quigley, who is ranked No. 3 in the nation in singles, has been awarded with the 2011 United States Tennis Association/Intercollegiate Tennis Association Sportsmanship Award for his sportsmanship, dedication and poise.
Quigley was given the distinguished honor by a panel of coaches, officials and tournament committee members during last weekend’s USTA/ITA National Indoor Intercollegiate Championships at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, N.Y.
“This sportsmanship award really means a lot to me,” Quigley said. “I didn’t have the results that I wanted at the National Indoor tournament, but this award helped me put that in the past. It’s important to me that the coaches and officials think so highly of me.”
“This is a great thing for Eric,” UK head coach Dennis Emery said. “He was close to winning this prestigious award last year and I think it shows the high regard that the people at the ITA, along with the coaches and officials have for him. He is the ultimate sportsman and it is very fitting that he wins this honor his senior year.”
The native of Pewee Valley, Ky., has represented the Kentucky program well on and off the court in his years on campus. Quigley is on pace to break the all-time singles wins record at UK, while also coming close the past two seasons to breaking the record for most singles wins in a season.
The three-time All-American is 137-43 for his career, sitting in third all-time in career singles wins at UK. Quigley is only seven wins shy of tying the school record for singles wins in a career, which is owned by Paul Varga (1982-85) with a 144-80 post.
So far this season, Quigley is 19-4, having posted 11 wins over ranked foes this fall, including seven against opponents ranked in the top 25.
In April, at Kentucky’s annual CATSPY Awards, Quigley was honored with the Mr. Wildcat Award, which is given to student-athletes for all-around excellence in athletics, academics, character and service.
Off the court, Quigley has helped with several QuickStart tennis clinics, while also working with God’s Pantry in Lexington. Last Christmas, Quigley helped coordinate a therapeutic recreation Christmas party for special needs children. Quigley has also performed well in the classroom, majoring in community communications and leadership development.
