May 21, 2003

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - West Coast Conference Player of the Year Christine Limbers was named Most Valuable Player, one of many awards handed out at the Santa Clara University women's tennis team's annual banquet, held last night at the Leavey Center.

Nine-year head coach Aby Ryan hosted the affair, set to honor the team's graduating seniors -- Ashley Campbell, Limbers, Mariko Kawakami and Pati Ruiz -- and to thank the Bronco fans and supporters for a memorable season, in which SCU matched its highest league placing ever at third, and finished with a 10-10 record.

Limbers, a native of Carefree, Ariz., received the honor as voted by her teammates. She earned the Bronco program's first WCC Player of the Year award and also earned first team singles and doubles honors with sophomore teammate Janalle Kaloi. Limbers has led the Broncos the past four seasons at the top singles and doubles spots. Additionally, Limbers closes her career with the most combined doubles victories in Bronco history. She also surpassed the 60-win plateau in singles, and finishes her career third in the Bronco listing.

Campbell and Ruiz shared the honor as the team's Most Improved Players, while Kawakami was voted Most Inspirational. The Coaches Award was presented to freshman Jessie Strunk for her outstanding team work, willingness to learn from players and coaches, graciously doing everything asked of her, and her respect of self and for others.

Special guests were also thanked for their efforts this season, including racquet stringers Matt Look and Jesse Kim, as well as trainer Scott Heinrichson and the No. 1 fan family, the Elices: Mark, Lisa and Simone. Two former volunteer coaches also made guest appearances, Linda Gates and Horatio Matta.

Ryan presented the conference awards to Limbers and Kaloi before the evening ended with a highlight video that captured the team's season.

2002-03 Santa Clara Women's Tennis Awards