INDIANAPOLIS – IU Indy senior Emma Dell has been named the Ohio Valley Region recipient of the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Cissie Leary Award for Sportsmanship, recognizing her outstanding dedication, leadership, and commitment to the spirit of collegiate tennis.
 
The ITA/Cissie Leary Award for Sportsmanship is presented annually to a Division I women's tennis student-athlete who demonstrates inspiring dedication to her team while exemplifying the highest ideals of sportsmanship. Established in 1997, the award honors the legacy of the late Cissie Leary, a highly respected former University of Pennsylvania women's tennis coach.
 
Although Dell was unable to compete during the 2025-26 season due to injury, her impact on the program and broader student-athlete community remained significant. She continued to serve as a leader both within the team and across campus, most notably in her role as president of the IU Indy Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).
 
Dell's commitment to supporting her teammates, maintaining a positive presence, and elevating the student-athlete experience embodies the values celebrated by the Cissie Leary Award. Her leadership and resilience have played a key role in strengthening team culture and representing IU Indy with distinction.
 
Dell becomes one of the region's most respected student-athletes to receive the honor, further highlighting her lasting influence on the program and the sport.