KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee women’s tennis senior Esther Adeshina is the winner of the 2024 ITA Ann Lebedeff Leadership Award, the ITA announced on Thursday.
“I am incredibly honored to receive this prestigious award,” Adeshina said. “Being nominated alongside fellow finalist student-athletes who love their sport and are actively involved in their community is humbling. I am very grateful for the opportunities tennis has given me. As a student-athlete at the University of Tennessee, I have not only grown as an individual, but also as a leader within my team and community. It has been a privilege to be a Lady Volunteer representing the University of Tennessee on and off court. I aim to continue the ethos of creating positive social change and giving back to the community wherever I go.”
The ITA Ann Lebedeff Leadership Award, as endowed by Billie Jean King, was created to honor a recent college graduate who played college tennis, demonstrated excellence in all aspects of being a student-athlete, was a leader on his or her team, and was an influential contributor on his or her college campus and community.
Adeshina showcases a wide variety of leadership qualities, both on and off the tennis courts. Hailing from Bracknell, Great Britain, she has dedicated four years to Rocky Top, securing a range of accomplishments.
The senior was named a three-time Division I ITA-All Academic Scholar-Athlete, a two-time SEC Academic Honor Roll recipient and a CSC Academic All-District honoree. Adeshina is set to graduate this month with her bachelor’s degree in business management.
Throughout her four-year collegiate career, Adeshina has accumulated 70 singles wins and upwards of 80 doubles victories.
“I speak for everyone here at the University of Tennessee when I say just how proud we are of Esther,” head coach Alison Ojeda remarked. “She represents our mission, vision and core values to a T! The fact that the ITA also sees that and has awarded her the national recipient of the Ann Lebedeff Leadership Award just means that much more. Just like Ann Lebedeff, Esther is a champion on and off the tennis court. Esther makes everyone around her better while always choosing to help others. Congratulations, Esther!”
The recipient of the award demonstrates grit, passion, and perseverance towards long-term goals. They will also commit to social justice and equality, and will have pushed others to be leaders in addition to demonstrating his or her…
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