By Jayson Henderson

TEMPE, Ariz. – Wichita State women’s tennis player Natsumi Kurahashi was named the 2024 Cissie Leary Award Recipient for Sportsmanship in the ITA Central region on Wednesday. This award honors a Division I women’s player from each region who displays dedication and commitment to her team, enhancing its performance and exemplifying college tennis spirit.

From Toyota, Japan, Kurahashi tied for the highest doubles win total on the team with 15, alongside her partner Xin Tong Wang, and added six singles wins for a total of 21 dual match victories. She competed in every match this season at the No. 1 or No. 2 positions in both singles and doubles.

Kurahashi is the sixth Shocker to receive this award. The Shockers also earned an ITA Community Service Honorable Mention for their service to the Wichita community, marking their fifth community service award.