SEWARD, Neb. – Concordia University, Nebraska junior Tessa Blough earned high distinction from the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA). The native of Cody, Wyo., was named Central Regional Arthur Ashe Leadership & Sportsmanship award winner on Monday (May 6) by the ITA. In addition, both of Head Coach Lisa Hart’s men’s and women’s Concordia Tennis squads earned ITA Community Service Award Winner Honorable Mention status.
Every year the ITA recognizes coaches and players for their excellence on the court and in their communities throughout the season. The ITA Arthur Ashe Jr. Leadership and Sportsmanship Award recognizes outstanding student-athletes in all five divisions (NCAA Divisions I, II and III, NAIA and JUCO) at the regional and national level. This prestigious award, which dates back to 1982, is presented to the men’s and women’s national student-athletes who have exhibited outstanding sportsmanship and leadership, as well as scholastic, extracurricular and tennis achievements.
Blough was one of four NAIA student-athletes nationally to be chosen as a regional Arthur Ashe Leadership & Sportsmanship award winner. She is a Psychology and Behavioral Science major and represents the Concordia Tennis program on the Bulldog Council of Student-Athletes. Blough leads the team in number of community service hours. She lives with a condition called lupus and is in a constant state of managing her symptoms while competing at the highest levels on the court and excelling in the classroom.
Says Hart, “Tessa embodies what being a servant leader is all about. She always puts her teammates above herself and is a selfless leader on and off the court. She is willing to sacrifice anything for the good of the team.”
Throughout the 2023-24 academic year, the Concordia Tennis teams combined for 126 community service hours. The service projects have included events at local elementary schools, socializing and fellowship at the Ridgewood Rehab & Care Center, community cleanup and working at the Science Bowl.
“I am happy our team is being recognized for their community service this year,” Hart said. “Our players are always willing and excited to help others. It is important for our program to be about more than just the wins and losses on the court. Giving back to our University community and the Seward community is important and extremely rewarding for all of us to be a part of.”
As a regional winner, Blough will be up for the national Arthur Ashe award. National winners will be announced by the ITA on May 13.