FLUSHING MEADOWS, N.Y. – Former Williams College standout Will Petrie was recently honored by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) for his outstanding accomplishments both on and off the court. Petrie was one of just 10 players nationally to receive the organization's Arthur Ashe Jr. National Leadership and Sportsmanship Award. He was presented with a plaque at the ITA Awards Luncheon on Saturday.

The presentation was hosted by the United States Tennis Association (USTA) and took place in the President’s Suite Dining Room. It was held in conjunction with Arthur Ashe Kids' Day activities at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, N.Y.  Jon Vegosen, Chairman of the Board and President of the USTA, David A Benjamin, ITA Executive Director, and David Dinkins, former Mayor of New York City and a member of the USTA Board of Directors, were on hand to present the awards.

The Arthur Ashe Award recognizes outstanding individuals in all divisions at the regional and national level. Recipients are selected based on their accomplishments in the game of tennis, scholastic achievements and extracurricular endeavors. Sportsmanship, leadership and character are also important criteria for the award, which has been in existence since 1984.

"Will was a great player and leader for four years," said Williams head coach Dan Greenberg. "He worked as hard as anyone on the court and in the weight room, but he also poured his energy into the campus and community. It's amazing how many things he did at Williams and how well he did them. It's added so much to our team and to all the people he's encountered here."

Petrie served as team captain during his final two seasons, helping lead the Ephs to the NCAA Division III National Semifinals both years. Competing at number six singles, he posted a 16-7 mark in singles during the 2011-12 season. He also went 15-8 at number three doubles as a senior.

Off the court, Petrie took part in writing workshops and math tutoring at Williams. He served as a Peer Academic Mentor for five fellow students and was a member of the Best Buddies program, working with underprivileged and mentally and/or physically challenged individuals from the Williamstown, Mass. area. Petrie also served as co-President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee at Williams. During all this, he managed to find the time to complete a 120-page English thesis on Milton’s epic poem Paradise Lost. 

"Will's the type of kid who gives everything to all he does," Greenberg said. "He's so passionate about everything. But as much as he cares about tennis and the team, he cares more about people."

Arthur Ashe Leadership and Sportsmanship Award Winners

• Ryan Thacher – Stanford University (NCAA Division I)
• Caroline Newman – College of Charleston (NCAA Division I)
• Tyler McCullough – West Liberty University (NCAA Division II)
• Kara Murphy – Bentley University (NCAA Division II)
• Will Petrie – Williams College (NCAA Division III)
• Cze-Ja Tam – Carnegie Mellon University (NCAA Division III)
• David Spennare – Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (NAIA)
• Jordan Kimura – Concordia University-Irvine (NAIA)
• Simon Bardell – Meridian Community College (Junior College/Community College)
• Gienna Gonnella – Santa Rosa Junior College (Junior College/Community College)

Photo courtesy of the Intercollegiate Tennis Association