Florida State Women’s Tennis Celebrated with Three ITA Southeast Regional Awards
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida State University’s women’s tennis program added another remarkable achievement to its growing legacy, earning three prestigious regional awards from the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Southeast region. The honors, announced Tuesday, recognize both individual and team excellence, sportsmanship, leadership, and meaningful contributions off the court.
Eva Shaw, a rising talent within the Seminoles roster, received the Most Improved Player Award, a testament to her significant development and on-court performance over the past year. Meanwhile, Cade Cricchio, known for her composure, dedication, and impact as a leader, was honored with the Arthur Ashe Leadership and Sportsmanship Award. Additionally, the entire FSU women’s tennis team was recognized with the Community Service Award, spotlighting their deep commitment to giving back to the local community and building connections beyond athletics.
These three honors showcase the holistic success of Florida State women’s tennis—not just in terms of wins and rankings, but also through academic accomplishments, personal growth, team culture, and social responsibility.
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Eva Shaw’s Rapid Rise: From Freshman to Featured Star
Sophomore Eva Shaw’s emergence as a key contributor this season was impossible to ignore. Following a freshman year marked by limited court time—just nine matches—Shaw made substantial strides in her sophomore campaign, dramatically improving her performance and becoming a critical part of FSU’s success.
During her first season, Shaw registered three singles victories. One of her most notable contributions came during the 2024 NCAA Tournament, where she clinched a pivotal win at the No. 6 singles position. That triumph sealed a 4-0 team victory in the opening round, pushing the Seminoles into the second round and demonstrating Shaw’s capacity to perform under pressure.
Fast forward to this season, and Shaw became the team’s anchor at the top of the lineup. Competing primarily at No. 1 singles, she amassed an impressive 8-3 record in that position, with a 10-5 overall record in singles play. Her efforts included two wins over nationally ranked opponents, helping her climb as high as No. 96 in the ITA singles rankings—marking her debut in the national rankings and a significant personal milestone.
Shaw was equally dominant in doubles competition, partnering with Maria Juliana Parra Romero to form a highly effective duo. The pair posted a 13-4 record, collected three ranked doubles wins, and ascended to a season-high No. 39 in the ITA doubles rankings. This versatility across singles and doubles play, along with her statistical jump and ability to handle high-stakes matches, made Shaw a clear choice for the Most Improved Player award.
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Cade Cricchio: Leadership with Integrity and Purpose
Senior Cade Cricchio was selected as the Southeast Region recipient of the Arthur Ashe Leadership and Sportsmanship Award, one of the most respected honors in college tennis. First awarded in 1982, the Arthur Ashe Award recognizes student-athletes who not only display exceptional sportsmanship and leadership on the court but also distinguish themselves through academic excellence, extracurricular involvement, and service to their communities.
Cricchio, a 2024 ITA Scholar Athlete, embodies those ideals. Throughout her career at Florida State, she has been admired by teammates, coaches, and opponents alike for her unwavering integrity, positive influence, and the maturity with which she carries herself. Whether competing or contributing to the team culture off the court, Cricchio has consistently demonstrated what it means to be a student-athlete in the fullest sense.
Her recognition with this prestigious award places her among a select group of collegiate athletes who continue to uphold the values championed by Arthur Ashe—namely courage, humility, academic ambition, and a spirit of inclusion. Cricchio’s impact goes well beyond the tennis court, making her an invaluable member of the Florida State tennis family.
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Team Recognition: Community Service as a Core Value
Rounding out the trio of accolades, the Florida State women’s tennis team earned the ITA Southeast Region Community Service Award, a reflection of their collective commitment to engaging with and supporting the broader Tallahassee community.
Throughout the year, the team has participated in a range of community service initiatives—demonstrating that their dedication to excellence extends far beyond athletics. These efforts include volunteering at local schools, participating in outreach events, supporting children’s programs, and raising awareness for charitable causes. In doing so, the Seminoles have become more than just a team on the court—they’ve become role models and active contributors to the social fabric of the region.
This award recognizes programs that not only contribute meaningfully to their communities but also foster a culture of service and empathy within their teams. By cultivating this environment, FSU’s women’s tennis program sets an example for what collegiate athletics can achieve in terms of community leadership and social responsibility.
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A Program on the Rise
These regional honors cap off what has been a year of growth, momentum, and affirmation for Florida State women’s tennis. Under the guidance of a dedicated coaching staff, the program continues to develop standout student-athletes who excel in competition, lead with integrity, and engage with the world around them.
Eva Shaw’s transformation into a nationally ranked competitor, Cade Cricchio’s well-deserved recognition as a leader and role model, and the team’s impactful presence off the court all point to a program moving forward with clarity of purpose. These awards are not simply individual acknowledgments—they are reflections of a winning culture built on accountability, improvement, leadership, and heart.
As the Seminoles look ahead to future seasons, the foundation laid by this year’s achievements will continue to propel them toward even greater success—both on and off the court.
