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Brooke Parsons wins ITA regional sportsmanship award
Senior is one of seven finalists for national award
May 14, 2002 Air Force women's tennis player Brooke Parsons is the recipient of the 2002 Cissie Leary Sportsmanship Award for the Central Region, presented by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association. The award is presented to the individual who displays inspiring dedication and commitment to her team, which has enhanced her team's performance and exemplified the spirit of college tennis. Parsons was selected from the region's 48 teams and is one of seven finalists for the national sportsmanship award, which will be announced on Sunday, May 19. "This award is well deserved for Brooke," said Air Force head coach Kim Gidley. "She is balanced across the board, always striving for excellence, yet keeping things in perspective. When someone puts in the effort like she does day in and day out and has achieved the things she has, it is nice to see her get the recognition she deserves." The senior from Erwin, Tenn., had an outstanding four-year career at Air Force, capped off with a 26-7 overall singles record at the No. 1 position during the 2001-02 campaign, her third 20-win season at the Academy. She was 20-4 in dual matches, and 8-1 against Mountain West Conference opponents. She also paired with sophomore Laura Nigro to produce a 26-9 doubles record, and they were 3-0 at the 2002 Mountain West Conference Tournament at No. 1 doubles. Parsons' 52 total victories is the most by an Air Force player in one season since the Falcons moved to the Division I level in 1996, and earned her all-MWC honors for singles and doubles.
"Brooke has brought this program to where it is at today," said Gidley. "She is the ultimate competitor with class."
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