ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. – St. Edward's senior
PAO CARPIO was named the 2019 Intercollegiate Tennis Association NCAA Division II Arthur Ashe Leadership & Sportsmanship Award recipient, it was announced on Monday evening.
Carpio was presented the award during a ceremony prior to the start of the Division II National Championship.
A native of San Salvador, El Salvador, Carpio earned the honor for her performance on and off the court. In her final season with the Hilltoppers, Carpio owns a 21-5 record in singles play and has won 23 of 30 doubles tilts. She also clinched St. Edward's 4-3 victory over Angelo State in the NCAA South Central Region Championship on May 13.
Carpio's leadership extends beyond the court, where she serves as vice president of the St. Edward's Economics Club. She's also the community service leader for the Hilltoppers women's tennis team and a four-year member of the St. Edward's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
"Paola is one of the most mature, respectful, fun, passionate and hard-working players I have ever coached," Hilltoppers head coach Kendall Brooks said. "Since the day she arrive on campus, from another country mind you, she has done whatever is asked of her and has asked for nothing in return. She immediately bought in to the culture of our team and of St. Edward's University, and is the perfect example of who we would want representing not only SEU, but college athletes in general."
Carpio and the rest of the Hilltoppers will open the Round of 16 against Hawai'i Pacific at 7 a.m. (CST) on Wednesday. The national tournament will be played at Sandlando Park in Altamonte Springs, Fla.
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