Weber State University Athletics
WSU Assistant Coach Honored by NCAA
10/21/2013 4:05:00 PM | Women's Tennis
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - Earlier this year, new Weber State women's tennis assistant coach I-Hsuan (Annie) Hwang was chosen as a Top 30 honoree for the 2013 NCAA Woman of the Year Award. She will attend the annual awards dinner later this week. Annie wrapped up a collegiate tennis career with BYU-Hawaii last season.
"We are very proud of Annie for this accomplishment," said WSU head coach Jonas Ehrlin. "This shows her determination not just on the tennis court, but off the court as well. She was very highly recommended to me by BYU Hawaii coach Dave Porter, and she as been a great addition to the team."
During her incredible career, Hwang was one of the greatest tennis players to come through the Seasiders' program. She was the No. 1 ranked singles player for three consecutive years and never outside the top two in doubles.
Hwang notched two back-to-back Pacific West Conference Player of the Year honors, three All-PacWest First Team selections and helped the Seasiders to the NCAA Division II national championship match this last May.
She won multiple Division II USTA/ITA National Small College Championships singles titles as well as a doubles championship. Hwang is also a recipient of the James O'Hara Sargent Sportsmanship Award.
Earlier this year she was honored as the 2013 ITA (Intercollegiate Tennis Association) Women's Senior Player of the Year and earned recognition in the classroom as the PacWest Scholar Athlete of the Year in women's tennis.
Ten women from each of the three divisions make up the top 30, spanning various NCAA sports. In September, three finalists from each division will be selected to form the Top 9 finalists for the award.
Despite her shining career, Hwang was not selected as a finalist but will still be honored as part of the Top 30 at an annual ceremony in Indianapolis on Oct. 20 where the 2013 winner will be announced.
"These distinguished women are truly quintessential NCAA student-athletes, demonstrating dedication not only to athletic achievement but academic excellence and community leadership as well," said Anna Soho, NCAA Woman of the Year selection committee chair. "The NCAA applauds their achievements, and we know that they will continue to be role models and make a positive impact on the world."
The Top 30 honorees reflect the pillars of the Woman of the Year award, with outstanding achievements in academics, athletics, community service and leadership.
- Cumulatively, the top 30 earned a 3.79 grade-point average and nearly 50 Academic All-America honors.
- The top 30 earned 12 national championships (individual and team) and more than 80 All-America honors.
- The top 30 volunteered for 365 organizations during their college careers.
- Many served as team captains and held leadership positions in various campus and community organizations.
