For Immediate Release
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
NSIC Media Relations
NCAA Elite 18 Award

BURNSVILLE, Minn.  –  Kendra Kappes of Winona State University repeated as the NSIC Elite 18 Award winner for women’s tennis.   Kappes was the second Warrior to earn the Elite 18 Award for women's tennis as Rachel Gantz won the award three seasons ago. Winona State has now had six student-athletes earn the NSIC Elite 18 Award on seven occasions since its inception in 2016-17.
 
Kappes is a senior majoring in biology (cell & molecular) and holds a 4.00 grade point average.  The Neenah, Wisconsin native owned a 7-5 No. 2 singles record and was 11-1 in double action with partner Rachel Kelly during the shortened tennis season.  Kappes earned CoSIDA Academic All-America Third Team honors in 2018-19 and is a three-time NSIC All-Academic team member. 
 
“Since stepping foot on campus, Kendra has continuously impressed her peers, coaches, professors, and administrators. Her success on the tennis court speaks for itself, but it is the perfectly maintained 4.0 GPA amid the balance of full time academics and athletics that speaks to Kendra's commitment to excellence. Back to back Elite 18 awards prove Kendra to be a dedicated student-athlete who is eager to reach her highest potential and work hard to do so. Winona State Tennis is lucky to have her!” said Head Coach Heather Reilly.

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.