Kayati, Ritchie Pick Up ITA Honors
May 13 | Women's Tennis
PISCATAWAY, N.J. (May 13, 2015) -- The Intercollegiate Tennis Association released its 2015 ITA Division I Award winners - rising senior Lindsey Kayati (Monroeville, N.J.) has been named the ITA/Cissie Leary Award for Sportsmanship recipient and Hilary Ritchie has been named Assistant Coach of the Year for the Northeast Region.
The ITA/Cissie Leary Award for Sportsmanship goes to a Division I women's player who displays inspiring dedication and commitment to her team, which has enhanced her team's performance and exemplified the spirit of college tennis. Additionally, the award also recognizes an obstacle the student-athlete must overcome to play collegiate tennis. It dates back to 1997 and is memory of the late and widely admired Penn women's tennis coach Cissie Leary.
At age 13, Kayati was diagnosed with epilepsy, a disease of the brain causing severe seizures. People with epilepsy may suffer multiple seizures within a 24-hour period. Despite the daily struggles of living with the disorder, Kayati has pursued her dream of playing collegiate tennis and has overcome the constant battle.
"Lindsey has never let her epilepsy become an obstacle," said head coach Ben Bucca. "This season she was particularly challenged with her symptoms, but she never backed down. I am pleased to see her recognized for her unwavering commitment to her teammates and her focus to being the best student and athlete that she could be."
"It is an unbelievable honor to receive this award," said Kayati. "I want to dedicate this award to my family, my boyfriend, Ryan, my teammates, coaches and, most importantly, every other person who has been diagnosed with epilepsy and are in constant battle with the disorder. I want them to know that it's through their stories of strength, perseverance and courage that I was able to live with epilepsy and still achieve my dream of playing college tennis."
Hilary Ritchie of the coaching staff picked up an honor of her own, being named the Assistant Coach of the Year for the Northeast Region. Ritchie has helped guided the program through three conference changes,as well as competition in an intense region of play, since arriving "On the Banks." This season Ritchie steered the Scarlet Knights through their inaugural year in the Big Ten.
"Hilary has been a huge part of the program for the past five years," said Bucca. "She has handled her responsibilities in exemplary fashion. This award is not only recognition of what a great assistant coach she is, but will eventually show in her becoming a head coach someday."
"It is feels great to receive this award," said Ritchie. "I am fortunate to be a part of this great Rutgers Tennis program. Coaching is such a passion of mine and I am honored to be recognized by the Northeast Region."
For a full list of ITA Award Division I women's award winners, click here.
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