May 23, 2011

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - University of Illinois senior Abe Souza was named the Midwest's recipient of the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA)/Arthur Ashe Leadership and Sportsmanship Award announced by the ITA. According to the award's description, the accolade recognizes outstanding individuals in all divisions at the regional and national level. The award, which dates back to 1982, goes to NCAA Divisions I, II and III, NAIA and JuCo men's and women's players who have exhibited outstanding sportsmanship and leadership as well as scholastic, extracurricular and tennis achievements.

"This is an incredibly prestigious honor for Abe and incredibly deserved," head coach Brad Dancer said. "Abe epitomizes competitive spirit and the essence of sportsmanship."

Souza was named Advantage Illinois Most Valuable Player for the second year in a row and became the program's first consecutive winner of the award since Ryler DeHeart in 2005 and 2006. He also was named this year's recipient of the Chris Martin Fighting Illini Spirit award. The St. Louis, Mo., native ranked second on the team with 25 wins this season, including an 8-2 mark in Big Ten play. Souza finished with 99 wins for his career, which is tied with Neil Adams for 12th all-time in most career singles wins.

The first and only other Illini to win the award was Phil Stolt in 2004. A complete list of this year's award winners can be found HERE.