DENVER – Seattle University’s Kelli Woodman (Denver, Colo.) was honored Saturday night at the Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame Gala & USTA Colorado Annual Awards Celebration, receiving an award for the Most Outstanding Collegiate Female Tennis Player of the Year for the state of Colorado. The award honors collegiate tennis players who demonstrate excellence in both tennis and service.
The Rosemary Fri Award, named for the legendary Northern Colorado head coach and Colorado Tennis Hall of Famer, is presented to an outstanding female college player who is either from Colorado or attends a Colorado college. Woodman was the 16th recipient of this award, first presented in 2000.
Serendipitously, Woodman was in Colorado and able to attend the event after the Redhawks defeated Colorado State in Fort Collins Saturday afternoon.
“Stepping off the court after a huge team win at Colorado State made my entire evening even more special heading to the banquet,” said Woodman. “It was such an honor receiving this award in front of my family, friends, and other Hall of Fame honorees. It was an incredible experience to hear stories from people who are over 70 years old, are still actively playing, and who have accomplished so much including playing on the professional circuit. I definitely strive to accomplish as much as they have by the time I reach their age. Tennis is, and always has been, such a blessing in my life and I don’t see myself quitting anytime soon.”
Woodman and Lui had a 7-3 record and, individually, Woodman had a 6-5 record in fall 2015. To start the spring, she has earned singles wins at Eastern Washington and Colorado State and with doubles partner Kelli Woodman has won two of three matches to finish in 2016 thus far.
“Kelli is very deserving of this prestigious honor,” said head coach Adam Reeb. “She is one of the hardest workers I’ve ever met. She’s always looking to get better and that has shown in the success she has had. The great thing about Kelli is that she is focused on team first, never herself. She wants the team to succeed so much and she is a great captain and teammate. I’m so proud of her for earning this award.”