The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Mellynchuk Named 2025 ITA Ann Lebedeff Leadership Award Finalist
4/30/2025 2:00:00 PM | Women's Tennis
BIRMINGHAM – UAB women's tennis senior Vanessa Mellynchuk is one of three finalists selected for the 2025 ITA Ann Lebedeff Award, the organization announced on Wednesday.
"I couldn't be prouder of the career and particularly her final season as a student-athlete at UAB," head coach Mark Tjia said. "She truly represents everything positive about what being a student athlete is meant to be about. She has upheld the highest standard in the classroom, on the court, and in the community and is an excellent example of leadership, personal growth, and community responsibility. She has represented UAB, her teammates, and coaches in the best possible light and is very deserving of this prestigious award."
The three finalists, determined by the ITA committee, are Ella Brissett (CMS), Ariel Johnson (Wisconsin) and Mellynchuk.
The ITA Ann Lebedeff Leadership Award, as endowed by Billie Jean King, was created to honor a recent college graduate who played college tennis, demonstrated excellence in all aspects of being a student-athlete, was a leader on his or her team, and was influential contributor on his or her college campus and community.
Mellynchuk boasts a wealth of leadership qualities on and off the tennis court. She serves on the mental health subcommittee for the UAB Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). In this group, she plans events and helps connect student-athletes who may be experiencing similar mental health challenges.
In addition, Mellynchuk has served nearly 100 hours of community service while at UAB and worked on projects that aim to connect students with various non-profits in the Birmingham area.
The Annapolis, Maryland native has career interests in criminal justice, homeland security, international relations, education, energy, healthcare and economic inequality. Mellynchuk also spent time on Capitol Hill and with the Governor of Alabama as an intern this past summer. Upon graduation, she will attend Villanova University where she will pursue a Master of Public Administration degree.
Throughout her four-year career, Mellynchuk has collected 49 singles wins and 48 doubles victories.
The recipient of the award will have demonstrated grit, passion, and perseverance towards long-term goals. They will also commit to social justice and equality and will have pushed others to be leaders in addition to demonstrating his or her own leadership.
YOUR SUPPORT DRIVES UAB FORWARD
Your generosity ensures that Blazer Student Athletes not only compete at the highest level but also thrive academically, with access to the resources and opportunities that help them achieve their goals. We invite you to renew your annual Blazer Boosters membership today and for more information on ways to show your generosity to UAB through the Blazer Scholarship Fund, capital initiatives, and sport specific giving go to blazerboosters.com or call us at (205) 996-9969.
FOLLOW THE BLAZERS
For more information about the UAB women's tennis team, be sure to follow them on Twitter and Instagram @UAB_WTN.
"I couldn't be prouder of the career and particularly her final season as a student-athlete at UAB," head coach Mark Tjia said. "She truly represents everything positive about what being a student athlete is meant to be about. She has upheld the highest standard in the classroom, on the court, and in the community and is an excellent example of leadership, personal growth, and community responsibility. She has represented UAB, her teammates, and coaches in the best possible light and is very deserving of this prestigious award."
The three finalists, determined by the ITA committee, are Ella Brissett (CMS), Ariel Johnson (Wisconsin) and Mellynchuk.
The ITA Ann Lebedeff Leadership Award, as endowed by Billie Jean King, was created to honor a recent college graduate who played college tennis, demonstrated excellence in all aspects of being a student-athlete, was a leader on his or her team, and was influential contributor on his or her college campus and community.
Mellynchuk boasts a wealth of leadership qualities on and off the tennis court. She serves on the mental health subcommittee for the UAB Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). In this group, she plans events and helps connect student-athletes who may be experiencing similar mental health challenges.
In addition, Mellynchuk has served nearly 100 hours of community service while at UAB and worked on projects that aim to connect students with various non-profits in the Birmingham area.
The Annapolis, Maryland native has career interests in criminal justice, homeland security, international relations, education, energy, healthcare and economic inequality. Mellynchuk also spent time on Capitol Hill and with the Governor of Alabama as an intern this past summer. Upon graduation, she will attend Villanova University where she will pursue a Master of Public Administration degree.
Throughout her four-year career, Mellynchuk has collected 49 singles wins and 48 doubles victories.
The recipient of the award will have demonstrated grit, passion, and perseverance towards long-term goals. They will also commit to social justice and equality and will have pushed others to be leaders in addition to demonstrating his or her own leadership.
YOUR SUPPORT DRIVES UAB FORWARD
Your generosity ensures that Blazer Student Athletes not only compete at the highest level but also thrive academically, with access to the resources and opportunities that help them achieve their goals. We invite you to renew your annual Blazer Boosters membership today and for more information on ways to show your generosity to UAB through the Blazer Scholarship Fund, capital initiatives, and sport specific giving go to blazerboosters.com or call us at (205) 996-9969.
FOLLOW THE BLAZERS
For more information about the UAB women's tennis team, be sure to follow them on Twitter and Instagram @UAB_WTN.
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