Contact: Nicholas Osterloo, Assistant Sports Information Director, 630-637-5324

Oct. 30, 2023 - Abigail Penados of the North Central College women's tennis earned the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin's Student-Athlete of the Year award while head coach Ryan Jump earned his fourth straight Coach of the Year honor. Natalie Bassett and Kensington Payne were also named All-CCIW selections.

Penados, who has a perfect 35-0 career record in CCIW play between singles and doubles action, earned her second straight First Team All-CCIW selection. The sophomore from Morton Grove, Illinois was the first player in program history to compete in the NCAA Division III Individual Tournament a season ago while tying a school record earlier this year by advancing to the Intercollegiate Tennis Association's Central Region quarterfinals.

Bassett also tallied a perfect CCIW record this season with a 6-0 singles mark and an 8-0 slate in doubles play. The junior from Bluffton, South Carolina ranks third in career doubles wins (56) and is tied for seventh for most career singles wins (43). Bassett is now a three-time All-CCIW honoree with this season being the first as a First Team selection.

Payne posted an 8-0 CCIW record in singles play this season with a 7-1 mark in doubles competition. The sophomore from Los Angeles, California ranks fifth all-time in program history with 20 wins a season ago. This marks Payne's first All-CCIW selection.

On Oct. 1st, Jump became the program leader in wins by a head coach with 103 over his seven seasons. He currently sits at 105-44 at the helm of the women's program. There have now been 19 student-athletes earning All-CCIW honors under Jump's guidance while winning four straight CCIW Championships and three straight CCIW Tournament victories. 

Mikayla Edquiban is the Cardinals' recipient of the RESPECT Award. RESPECT Award recipients have distinguished themselves as an integral member of the team, their institution and their community by upholding the values of Responsibility, Enthusiasm, Service, Pride, Excellence, Collaboration and Trust. The RESPECT Award recognizes the intangible traits a student-athlete possesses that exemplify great character and encourage inclusiveness and a positive culture.

The Cardinals (12-0, 8-0 CCIW) open the spring season on Feb. 16th by hosting Roosevelt University at Naperville Tennis Club. The match against the Lakers is set to begin at 7 p.m.

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