Bronx, N.Y. - The Fordham University women's tennis squad released its fifth annual End-of-Year Awards this week with Isabella Aguiar, Aya Matsunaga, Paola Dalmonico, and Julianne Nguyen being recognized for outstanding spirit, improvement, skill, and academic prowess.
 
"I'm always excited to announce our team awards. It's a great opportunity to celebrate our student-athletes, honor our graduating seniors, and recognize all their achievements from another highly successful year for the Rams!," said head coach Michael Sowter.
 
The Spirit Award, which is given to the student-athlete that demonstrates sportsmanship, leadership, motivation and integrity, was awarded to freshman Isabella Aguiar. Isa worked diligently in the fall to overcome injury, was always ready and willing to help in any situation, and cheered relentlessly for her teammates throughout the season. Isa finished with a 5-0 record in doubles and was leading in her two unfinished singles and doubles matches.
 
Junior Aya Matsunaga received the team's Most Improved Player Award. Aya went undefeated at both the UConn Invitational and Army Hidden Duals and captured the C Flight at the Fordham Invitational, accumulating 11 straight victories and an unbeaten record for the fall semester. She continued her winning ways to start the season with singles wins against nationally ranked Syracuse University and Boston College, and was 2-0 at #1 doubles with Julianne Nguyen.
 
The Player of the Year Award was presented to sophomore Paola Dalmonico. In her second season at Fordham, Paola made the Round of 16 at the ITA Regional Championships and finished with a 22-11 record in singles and a 23-10 record in doubles. Paola also played a vital role following the injury of teammate Nevena Kolarevic. Moving up to the #1 singles position, Paola went 6-1 at the top spot and was named to the A-10 First Team All-Conference.
 
A new award for 2026, the Apex Award for Academic Excellence, is presented to the student-athlete with the best GPA for the previous academic year. The award this year went to Julianne Nguyen, a Business Administration major.