Celia Ruiz Named American Conference Co-Player of the Year

GREENVILLE, N.C. – East Carolina sophomore Celia Ruiz was named the 2017 American Athletic Conference Women's Tennis Co-Player of the Year as announced by the league office Thursday. Ruiz shares the award, which was voted on by the league's 11 head coaches, with Tulsa senior Dobby Leenabanchong. She becomes the first Player of the Year selection in program history.

Ruiz posted a 13-6 record in dual matches this season performing as the Pirates' No. 1 singles player. She paired with teammate Lisa Hofbauer to post the same record as ECU's top duo.

She became the first player in program history to earn an Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) national ranking when she defeated No. 3 North Carolina's Jessie Aney on March 11. After cruising to a 6-2 first set win over No. 24 Aney, she used a 7-5 second set victory to earn one of East Carolina's two points in the match.

Ruiz debuted in the ITA poll March 21 at No. 124, a rank she held until April 4.

During the 2016-17 season, Ruiz produced a 18-10 singles and 17-9 doubles record. In two years with East Carolina, she has not lost a singles match to a conference opponent.

Along with winning Co-Player of the Year, Ruiz earned all-conference honors for the second consecutive year.

Celia Ruiz Named American Conference Co-Player of the Year

Players Mentioned

Lisa Hofbauer

Celia Ruiz

Footer