Gretchen Ringler, a senior on the Daemen College women’s tennis team, has been named the NCAA Division II East Region’s recipient of the Arthur Ashe Leadership and Sportsmanship Award from the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA). She is one of eight regional recipients with the national recipient to be announced at a later date.
The Arthur Ashe Leadership and Sportsmanship Award, named for the professional tennis legend who won three Grand Slam titles, dates back to 1982. The award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and sportsmanship, as well as scholastic, extracurricular, and tennis achievements.
Ringler put together a stellar four-year career for the Wildcats. She leaves as the program’s second all-time leader in singles (43), doubles (41) and combined (84) victories. In addition, only former teammate Hayle Scanlan appeared in more matches than Ringler’s 198 combined between singles and doubles play.
Ringler, who will graduate this month with a bachelor’s degree in social work, has been named to both Daemen’s Dean’s List and the East Coast Conference Commissioner’s Honor Roll, and is a two-time recipient of ITA All-Academic Team honors. She’s also an active member of the Social Work Honor Society, and has volunteered for organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, the Buffalo Bills Foundation and Buffalo Sabres Foundation, Jericho House, and Relay for Life. She’s also been an intern at the Family Justice Center.