IRVINE, Calif. --- UC Irvine women's tennis scored its second Arthur Ashe Leadership & Sportsmanship Award winner in as many years for the Southwest Region of the Intercollegiate Tennis Association in the form of senior Kristina Smith.

The ITA/Arthur Ashe Leadership and Sportsmanship Award recognizes outstanding individuals in all divisions at the regional and national level. In August, the national winners are honored during a special ceremony hosted by the USTA during Arthur Ashe Kids' Day inside Ashe Stadium. This 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.

Kristina Smith finished out a fantastic Anteater career with a 20-3 dual-match record this season, 23-5 overall to earn 20+ wins in all four years. She finished with an overall record of 97-29, and even finished 68-42 in doubles play after a 22-13 record in 2013 in a season that saw her earn Big West Player of the Year honors, a two-time Big West Player of the Week, and lead UCI to its first-ever NCAA postseason victory.

Smith reclaims the award for UCI who received the regional accolade in 2012 thanks to Stephanie Hammel. Smith is the fourth Anteater from the women's side along with Hammel, Anna Bentzer in 2005, and Tiffany Chang in 2004. Zac Tsai and Chris Tontz also brought the award home from the men's side.

Smith still has some season left as she's also earned a spot in the NCAA Individual field with the draws and action starting up next week.

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