May 18, 2006

Colorado Springs, Colo. - Senior Maja Kovacek was one of eight players nationwide and the Central Region's representative to earn the ITA Arthur Ashe Sportsmanship & Leadership award. The national winner will be announced at the NCAAs.

The award is given to honor Arthur Ashe and his beliefs in the importance of education, sportsmanship and leadership. It is awarded to one player in each of the eight regions every year. In order to be nominated a player must meet four criteria; tennis playing accomplishments, scholastic and extracurricular achievements, sportsmanship, leadership and character, and humanitarian concern and accomplishments.

Kovacek is UNM's first two-time All-American and has excelled in the classroom throughout her collegiate career. She was the women's tennis team captain this year. Last year Kovacek earned UNM's Female Athlete of the Year, has been a MWC all-conference singles and doubles player all four years she has attended UNM and is currently ranked No. 31 in singles and No. 4 in doubles nationally.

The MWC was the only conference to have three players awarded this year. San Diego State's Dita Hauerlandova and TCU's Gloriann Lopez were also awarded in their regions.

ITA/Arthur Ashe Award for Leadership & Sportsmanship
East Megan Moulton Levy College of William and Mary
Southeast Lindsey Hess University of North Carolina - Wilmington
South Audrey Banada University of Miami
Midwest Lauren Connelly University of Notre Dame
Central Maja Kovacek University of New Mexico
Southwest Gloriann Lopez Texas Christian University
Northwest Alice Barnes Stanford University
West Dita Hauerlandova San Diego State University