Angela Kulikov and Becca Weissmann Win ITA Regional Awards

LOS ANGELES -- Senior women's tennis players Angela Kulikov and Becca Weissmann each won an ITA Regional Award, the ITA announced today (May 18). Kulikov earned the Most Improved Senior award, while Weissmann was awarded the Cissie Leary Sportsmanship Award.

Kulikov earned the Most Improved Senior Award because of her continuous improvement throughout her career. She began her tennis career at USC playing from the No. 6 singles position and the No. 3 doubles spot as a freshman. She continued to move up and played her senior season from the No. 1 position in both doubles and singles. As she continued to rise in lineup positions, both her overall and dual match records continued to improve each year as well. Kulikov's national ranking also improved each season, culminating with her career-high ranking of No. 15 in singles during the 2020 season.

"Angela's rise in rankings, overall record, and line up is a testament to her tremendous improvement over her four years at USC," said head coach Alison Swain. "She is incredibly driven to improve in all aspects of her game. I've watched her push herself in the weight room, on the tennis court and with our sports psychologists. To say she is incredibly deserving of this recognition is an understatement. Angela helps to set the standard for hard work in our current program, and her improvement in her results is a direct result of the effort and passion she has put in to this team and her own tennis."

The Cissie Leary Sportsmanship Award is given to an athlete who demonstrates character and determination to overcome obstacles and adversity. Weissmann had a very challenging senior year, undergoing necessary non-tennis surgery in the fall that prevented her from competing in the 2019-20 season. Through this challenging time, Weissmann displayed outstanding character.

"Becca has come to practice every single day both fall and spring," said Swain. "She checks in with her teammates individually and is hands down the one person on our team that every single player reaches out to for a supportive hug, listening ear or kind words. At practice, Becca sits on the bench and charts matches, hand feeds balls or simply cheers on her teammates - whatever is needed. Becca has stayed true to her core values. Her kindness, positive outlook and gratitude are hallmarks of who she is as a person."

Players Mentioned

Angela Kulikov

Becca Weissmann