October 30, 2006

Albuquerque, NM (CSTV U-WIRE) -- Throughout her four-year career as a UNM women's tennis player, Maja Kovacek received her fair share of accolades.

So when she was invited to a recent banquet, head coach Kathy Kolankiewicz said she expected just another honor added to a long list.

However, Kovacek was invited to be honored for one of the most prestigious awards in the nation when she was named an honoree for the NCAA Woman of the Year on Wednesday.

Kovacek said she was thrilled to be nominated.

"It was a great honor just to be chosen," she said. "I think this might even be the biggest thing that I've got. It's an award that emphasizes all three aspects, athletics, academics and community service. It's a great thing to be chosen for."

After a banquet that was held for the honorees on Saturday, Kolankiewicz said it was one of the biggest awards Kovacek has received.

"It was first class," Kolankiewicz said. "It really made Maja feel special. She certainly represented UNM and the Mountain West Conference well."

Kovacek was one of 30 female athletes nominated for the award, and she was one of 10 NCAA Division I athletes. She was the only student-athlete from the MWC to receive the nomination.

Kovacek said being the only MWC honoree made the nomination that much more of an honor.

"It was pretty exciting," she said. "It was a little bit stressful. I haven't experienced anything like that before. It was definitely special to be chosen among so many good

candidates."

During her career at UNM, Kovacek was one of the most successful Lobo student-athletes. She was named to the All-American doubles team twice, holds the school record for most doubles wins in a career with 87, and most singles wins in a season with 33 and is in the top-five in many other categories.

She was also named the MWC Female Student Athlete of the Year for the 2005-06 season.

Kolankiewicz said the honor of being one of the 10 Division I finalists only adds to Kovacek's legacy.

"I just think it gave us really good recognition," Kolankiewicz said. "The 30 honorees got to spend a lot of time together, and it was a lot of fun for Maja, getting to know these other quality student-athletes."

Kovacek said the honor helps her look back at her accomplishments

at UNM.

"It was great," she said. "I enjoyed it so much. It definitely went by too fast. I miss competing at that high of a level and traveling. I definitely appreciate it a lot more now."

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