Emory University freshman Gabrielle Clark became the third player in the history of the University Athletic Association (UAA) to be named the conference’s Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year for women’s tennis in the same season, headlining a list of seven Eagles who earned all-UAA honors.

Clark became the 12 MVP in the program’s history, and the third Rookie of the Year, after winning both of her singles matches during the weekend.  She joins former Eagle Mary Ellen Gordon (2001) and the University of Chicago’s Kendra Higgins (2009) as the only players to earn Rookie of the Year and MVP honors in the same season.  Clark was also named to the all-UAA first team as the first singles player for her efforts.

Senior Lorne McManigle (third singles), junior Zahra Dawson (fourth singles) and freshman Malavika Padmanabhan (fifth singles) each earned all-UAA first team honors as well, based on their play during the tournament.  It was the second singles all-UAA honor of McManigle’s career, and the third for Dawson.

In doubles, Dawson and sophomore Jordan Wylie received all-UAA first team recognition for their second doubles efforts, while Padmanabhan and freshman Brenna Kelly were named to the first team for their work in third doubles.  It was Dawson’s third career all-UAA honor for doubles play, and Wylie’s second.

Senior Lindsay Reidenbach added an all-UAA second team honor for her play at sixth singles, marking the third-straight season she has been named to an all-conference team.

Emory head coach Amy Bryant and assistant Meredith Vincent were both recognized as part of the UAA Coaching Staff of the Year, marking the 18^th time in school history the Emory women’s coaches have claimed the award.  It was the eighth time Bryant has claimed the honor and the third for Vincent.

The Eagles claimed their 23^rd UAA Championship in 24 seasons at last weekend’s conference tournament, defeating New York University 9-0 in the quarterfinals, 15^th-ranked Washington University (Mo.) 6-0 in the semifinals, and the fourth-ranked University of Chicago 5-2 in the championship match.

The Eagles, ranked third in the nation and 19-4 overall on the season, received an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Women’s Tennis Tournament by virtue of winning the UAA Championship.  The official tournament selections are currently scheduled to be made on Monday, May 9^th, with regional play beginning at selected sites on Friday, May 13^th.  The NCAA D-III singles and doubles participants will be chosen on Wednesday, May 11^th.