UNK Lopers Earn Gold Star Award

To honor their 100th anniversary in 2020, the USTA Missouri Valley is recognizing 100 deserving recipients with the Gold Star Award. This award recognizes contributions that recipients have made in growing the game of tennis in their community.

The University of Nebraska at Kearney women’s tennis team received the USTA Missouri Valley Gold Star Award, in part due to their community outreach.

“We typically go to a number of elementary schools each year and put on clinics for their after-school programs,” said Claire Neil, a senior from Papillion. “We teach the kids basic strokes and show them our love for tennis. As a team, we also help teach clinics in the winter and help with fall and winter classic tournaments. These clinics and tournaments help us get involved with the community and represent the Lopers.”

Neil said she will miss the camaraderie among her teammates when the season is over. She hopes it’s a memorable season, despite the COVID-19 restrictions.

“This is my last year on the tennis team, so my goal is to have a great last season individually and as a team,” she added.

“The best part of being on this team is that we are one big family,” added Pranathi Gannavaram, a junior from Kansas City. “We are constantly laughing or making jokes and it's just a fun atmosphere to be around! They are the best teammates to have because they constantly support you and push you to be better.”

Coach Scott Shafer said he and the team were very flattered to receive the USTA Missouri Valley Gold Star Award. This is his second year as head coach, and his eighth year with the program. He was previously the assistant coach.

“We strive to be positive members of our community and the sport we love gives us that opportunity,” Schafer said.

He added that the women have adapted well to the disruptions due to the pandemic. They are practicing daily, and will soon host an ITA Fall Tour event which will allow them to get some outside competition.

“Our goal remains the same, to get back to the NCAA tournament,” he said. “Last year we were headed in that direction when our season was abandoned. The team is adapting well to the changes this semester and we’re happy to be practicing.”

The recipients of the Gold Star Award will receive personal items to keep, a plaque and a special gift. Congratulations to all of the Gold Star Award recipients.