WKU Tennis student-athlete Sunskrithi Damera has been honored with the prestigious Conference USA’s 2024 Jim Castañeda Postgraduate Scholarship, as announced by the league on Thursday.
About the Scholarship
The award, now in its 16th year, is named after Dr. Jim Castañeda, who served Rice University for 46 years as an educator, coach, and Faculty Athletics Representative before his passing in 2008. Each season, Conference USA awards the $4,000 scholarship to distinguished graduates selected by the league’s Faculty Athletics Representatives and approved by the Conference USA Board of Directors. This year, Damera is one of nine CUSA student-athletes to receive this honor.
Coach’s Remarks
“I’m happy for Sunskrithi for receiving the Jim Castañeda Postgraduate Scholarship. It shows the hard work she puts in consistently on and off the tennis court,” said WKU Women’s Tennis Head Coach Greg Davis. “Having worked with Jim Castañeda at Rice in my first college assistant coaching position, I was able to see firsthand how important he was to his program and university. It is an honor to have Sunskrithi receive this scholarship named in remembrance of him.”
Damera’s Achievements
- Singles Play: 8-6 record this spring
- Doubles Matches: Won both matches competed in as a senior
- Singles Records:
- 4-2 at No. 5 singles
- 4-3 at No. 6 singles
- Key Performances: Claimed the clinching point in consecutive 4-3 wins against Wyoming and UIC
- Previous Season: Won 12 singles matches in spring 2023 during her first season with WKU after transferring from Sam Houston
Academic Excellence
- Bachelor of Science in Accounting: Graduated with a 3.88 GPA
- Academic Honors:
- CUSA Commissioner’s Honor Roll
- CUSA Commissioner’s Academic Medal (2023-24 academic year)
- ITA Scholar-Athlete (2023)
Background
- Hometown: Hyderabad, India
Sunskrithi Damera’s recognition with the Jim Castañeda Postgraduate Scholarship highlights her dedication and achievements both on the tennis court and in the classroom. Her contributions to WKU Tennis and her exemplary academic performance have earned her this significant honor.
