Lady Vols Aplenty in ITA All-Academic Awards

TEMPE, Ariz. – A program-record eight Tennessee women's tennis student-athletes earned Scholar Athlete distinctions on the ITA All-Academic Teams, the ITA announced Friday morning.

"I am so proud of our team for having eight players recognized as ITA Scholar Athletes," Head Coach Alison Ojeda said. "I have the privilege of seeing just how important academia is to each of our players. I see our academic advisor and players arrange for weekly tutors in preparation for missing a class due to competition. On road trips, I see players diligently studying in the hallways, so they don't wake up their roommates, and when traveling home from long road trips. I see them studying on the bus for exams while most of the country is sound asleep. I am always proud of my athletes and I am especially proud of my student athletes."

For the Lady Vols, Esther Adeshina, Carly Briggs, Callie Creath, Kylie Duckworth, Daria Kuczer, Tenika McGiffin, Rebeka Mertena and Johanna Silva were honored as Scholar Athletes. Student-Athletes who attain a GPA of 3.50 or higher while earning a varsity letter are eligible for Scholar Athlete recognition.

With eight individuals being honored, the Lady Vols had the most tabbed to the Scholar Athlete list since the 2015 and 2013 season where five were recognized.

Duckworth and McGiffin were both recognized for the second time in their careers.

Tennessee also posted a team GPA of 3.67 for the 2020-21 year. The ITA All-Academic Team accolades are awarded to teams where the cumulative GPA is 3.2 or higher. All varsity letter winners are factored into the cumulative team GPA for the current academic year (fall 2020 and spring 2021).

University of Tennessee Athletics

Players Mentioned

Esther Adeshina

Carly Briggs

Callie Creath

Kylie Duckworth

Daria Kuczer

Tenika McGiffin

Rebeka Mertena

Johanna Silva

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