UCI’s Smith honored

UC Irvine senior women’s tennis player Kristina Smith won the Arthur Ashe Leadership & Sportsmanship Award for the Southwest Region of the Intercollegiate Tennis Assn.

The award which dates back to 1982, goes to NCAA Divisions I, II and III, NAIA and JUCO men’s and women’s players who have exhibited outstanding sportsmanship and leadership as well as scholastic, extracurricular and tennis achievements.

In August, the national winners are honored during a special ceremony hosted by the USTA during Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day inside Ashe Stadium.

Smith was 20-3 in singles matches in team dual matches this season and 23-5 overall. She won at least 20 singles matches in all four years. She is 97-29 in singles and 68-42 in doubles in her career, including a 22-13 doubles mark in 2013.

The Big West Conference Player of the Year led UCI to its first NCAA Tournament victory.

Smith is the second straight Anteater to win the award, following Stephanie Hammel last year.

Smith will compete in the NCAA individual championships beginning next week.

— From staff reports