April 28, 2008

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State senior Christine Bader was selected as a finalist for the 2008 Wilson/ITA National Student-Athlete Promoter of the Year Award. The International Tennis Association (ITA) and Wilson Sporting Goods Co. created the award to recognize the contributions of outstanding team managers and student-athletes who have helped to maximize support for their individual tennis program and college tennis in general.

"I couldn't be more proud of Christine and the much deserved recognition," said MSU head coach Erica Perkins. "She is a great student, athlete, role model and always a true Spartan. We will miss her tremendously next year, but look forward to the contributions she will make in the world."

Bader enjoyed a successful senior season, finishing with 18 singles wins, including 12 victories at No. 1 in dual-match play. She finished the year with two wins over ranked opponents, including No. 89 Yevgeniya Stupak of East Tennessee State and Washington's No. 30 Venise Chan.

Bader's leadership showed as the Spartans enjoyed one of their most successful seasons in the past 15 years, ending the season ranked No. 61 in the ITA rankings. MSU had one of the biggest wins in program history with a 6-1 victory over No. 35 Washington on March 23, then followed it up with back-to-back wins over No. 57 Minnesota and No. 46 Iowa.

Jared Karlebach, a senior at Skidmore College, has been named the 2008 Wilson/ITA National Student-Athlete Promoter of the Year. A four-year player on the Skidmore tennis team, Karlebach has been an active volunteer, a Dean's list regular and was named to the 2007 Liberty League All-Academic Team.