Contact: Rachel Balinao, Athletics Communication Graduate Assistant, rabalinao@noctrl.edu

Oct. 27, 2025 - The North Central College women's tennis received postseason honors from the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW), with Abigail Penados earning her third consecutive CCIW Player of the Year and a spot on the All-Conference First Team, while teammate Kensington Payne was also named to the All-Conference First Team. In addition to the individual accolades, North Central received the CCIW Coaching Staff of the Year. 

Penados closed out her collegiate career with an undefeated 8-0 record at No. 1 singles in CCIW play, marking her fourth straight season without a conference loss. Payne earned her first career First Team All-CCIW selection after going a perfect 8-0 at No. 2 singles in regular season play.

Together, Penados and Payne dominated in doubles action as well, finishing 7-1 at the No. 1 position against CCIW opponents.

North Central's coaching trio with Head Coach Nathaniel Boatright, Assistant Coach Joey Leto, and Graduate Assistant Danilo Kovacevic was named CCIW Coaching Staff of the Year for the 2025 season following the sixth straight CCIW title.

The CCIW also announced the nine winners of its RESPECT Award for the season. RESPECT Award recipients have distinguished themselves as an integral member of the team, their institution and 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 encourages inclusiveness and a positive culture. North Central's RESPECT Award honoree is Sophia Drozd.