Women's Tennis | 05.06.2024
LEWISTON, Idaho – Both Lewis-Clark State Tennis programs were named ITA West Regional Community Service Award winners on Monday. April Buckingham earned West Region Most Improved Player honors and Ryan LaPlante was voted the women's West Region Assistant Coach of the Year of the second straight year.
The Warrior Tennis teams were named earned became the second LC State team to earn the Team Service Award at the LCSPYs, LC State's student-athlete awards banquet, after totaling the most community service hours of any team in the department. The Warriors assisted at 14 different events including hosting successful blood drives on campus. The men won the ITA West Region Community Service Award and the women earned honorable mention honors.
"It is a nice recognition to the team for their efforts towards community service," Head Coach Kai Fong said. "It is such an integral part of our program to bridge the team with the community. It is significant, especially for our international team members."
Buckingham returned to the court after injured hampered her 2022-23 season. She worked her way into the lineup, primarily in doubles, to aid in five victories.
"As a second-year player, April has worked her way into a starting position for the doubles," Fong said. "She was the standout player in our doubles lineup, and she made significant strides in her singles play to be a factor as well."
LaPlante is in his final season with the Warriors before departing the program for his next opportunity. He has been an integral part of the program for the last few seasons as both the assistant coach and manager of the LC State Tennis Center.
"Another amazing year for Ryan in assisting with the team," Fong added. "He is a strong mentor to the players, and he is very well liked by the team. He will be greatly missed by all as he departs the program to pursue a different career pathway. We wish him all the best."
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