For Immediate Release
Saturday, April 13, 2019
NSIC Media Relations
NCAA Elite 18 Award

MINNETONKA, Minn.  –  Kendra Kappes of Winona State University was named the 2019 NSIC Elite 18 Award winner for women’s tennis.  Kappes was presented the award prior to the Saturday morning quarterfinal match of the NSIC Women’s Tennis Tournament held at Lifetime Fitness in Minnetonka, Minnesota. Kappes becomes the second Warrior to earn the Elite 18 Award for women's tennis as Rachel Gantz won the award last season.  Winona State has now had  five student-athletes earn the NSIC Elite 18 Award since its inception in 2016-17.
 
Kappes is a junior majoring in biology (cell & molecular) and holds a 4.00 grade point average.  The Neenah, Wisconsin native owns an
9-7 overall record at No. 2 singles this season and is 7-4 in NSIC play.  Kappes and teammate Tayla Card hold a 9-7 mark at No. 2 doubles, including a 7-4 record in NSIC play.
 

As part of the NSIC 25th Anniversary celebration, the NSIC Elite 18 Award was instituted to recognize the true essence of the student-athlete by honoring the individual who has reached the pinnacle of competition at the NSIC Championship level in his or her sport, while also achieving the highest academic standard among his or her peers. The NSIC Elite 18 award is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at the finals site for each of the NSIC’s 18 Championships.