Kelsey Dieters Wins ITA Sportsmanship Award
May 12, 2015
LEXINGTON, Ky. – University of Kentucky women’s tennis senior Kelsey Dieters won the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Cissie Leary Award for Sportsmanship in the Ohio Valley Region, it was announced on Tuesday.
The award caps an impressive career for the Shelby Township, Mich., native. Dieters has been a mainstay in the UK lineup since she arrived at Kentucky in 2013-14 and has helped UK reach the NCAA Tournament both seasons.
“I’m honored to be recognized with this award, and it’s been a privilege competing for Kentucky,” Dieters said. “I want to thank my coaches for nominating me for this award and to the ITA for selecting me. To be able to represent my University, UK Athletics and the women’s tennis team the past two years has been really special.”
Dieters came to Kentucky from Ohio State in 2013 for her junior season. A two-time conference Academic Honor Roll selection, Dieters qualified for the ITA All-American Championships both seasons as a Wildcat.
“We are grateful that Kelsey earned such a prestigious award,” UK head coach Carlos Drada said. “During her time at Kentucky, she has competed in a first-class manner and has conducted herself with a great deal of sportsmanship. I am glad that her hard work and positive attitude is being recognized.”
While at Ohio State, Dieters also received the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award in 2013. She is currently pursuing a degree in pharmacy from the University of Kentucky.
Dieters’ accolade is the fourth ITA award in the last three seasons for the UK women’s tennis program. Last year, Drada was named the Ohio Valley Region Wilson/ITA Coach of the Year, while assistant coach Kevin Calhoun earned Regional Assistant Coach of the Year honors. In 2013, Nadia Ravita was named the Ohio Valley Region Rookie of the Year.
The ITA award is the fifth major conference or regional award earned by a Wildcat this season. Last week, senior Grace Trimble was named the winner of the Brad Davis SEC Community Service Award. Junior Aldila Sutjiadi earned Second Team All-Southeastern Conference honors, while junior Kirsten Lewis was named to the SEC Community Service Team. Additionally, freshman Mami Adachi was named the league’s Freshman of the Week a program-record-tying three times in 2015.
Visit UKathletics.com for the most up-to-date information on the Kentucky women’s tennis team and all 22 varsity sports. For additional info, notes, and behind-the-scenes updates, follow the team at @UKWomensTennis.
