WOMEN'S TENNIS: Senior Laura Kendrick 2007 Sue Little Award Winner
Alma, Mi.- Every year in MIAA Women's Tennis an award is given by the players to the senior who has exhibited the best sportsmanship during her career. This award is given in the memory of Sue Little, a 1954 graduate of Albion College. This year's Sue Little Award was given to Alma senior Laura Kendrick (Marysville).
Laura Kendrick is a four year letter winner for the Scots and recently graduated with a degree in Exercise and Health Sciences. When asked about how she felt about being given this award she replied, "Well, its an honor. It really means a lot because the players are the ones who vote on it."
Sportsmanship comes second nature to this young woman. "Tennis is a sport where so much integrity is needed because a lot of times you make your own calls. Being nice and friendly during a match is a just a part of the sport," commented Laura.
The admiration for Laura extended beyond her fellow athletes, seen best through the words of Coach Jim Fox. "Throughout Laura's four year career her opponents had the opportunity not only to play against a quality player, but more importantly a true sportsman. She has been a great representative for Alma College and has earned the respect of all the players in the league. It was an Honor for me to serve as her coach."
Ms. Kendrick has taken a lot away from her athletic career at Alma but says the thing she will remember the most is the bonds she created with her teammates. "We spent so much time together and really became a close knit group. Some of the best friends I have were teammates and other friends I met while playing against other teams."
Laura was surprised she was selected for this honor. "I didn't think I was going to win it. Its not like I'm out there winning MIAA championships, and I am not one of those girls getting noticed for yelling during matches."
In a time when yelling at refs and demeaning opponents seems the accepted norm, Laura Kendrick is a shining example of what a true student athlete should look like. Ms. Kendrick plans to attend Wayne State University where she will continue her education in a medical related field. She was the first Sue Little Award winner for Alma College since Betsie Keeler won it in 2000.
Laura Kendrick 2007 Sue Little Award Winner
Posted: Mon, April 30th, 2007 at 2:30PM
