Service Winner

Seven years ago, as a sophomore at Palisades High, Caroline Vincent won the City Individual singles title. Last week,  the Intercollegiate Tennis Association named her the 2022 Ann Lebedeff Leadership Award Winner as endowed by Hall- of-Famer Billie Jean King.

“Caroline is a championship human being and embodies what is so great about college tennis,” ITA CEO Dr. Timothy Russell said.     

As a four-year starter and current team captain of the Army women’s tennis team, Vincent will receive a postgraduate scholarship and special recognition at the ITA Awards Weekend in New York later this year. Army will get a $1,000 donation from the ITA in her honor.

“I am extremely happy and proud of Caroline for receiving the Ann Lebedeff Leadership Award,” Army Women’s Head Coach Paul Peck said. “She epitomizes all the qualities of a leader and a student athlete. Caroline is the ultimate team player and sets an example for the younger players. I look forward to seeing what she achieves in the future.”

Before arriving at West Point, Vincent was a highly-touted recruit who had multiple Division I scholarship offers. However, her decision to attend Army was simple as it was a place where she could fulfill her passions: public service and tennis.

On the court, Vincent’s college career was capped this season with First Team All-Patriot League honors. She also earned Second Team All-Patriot League honors in 2021, Patriot League Doubles Team of the Year honors in 2021 and helped her team to a Patriot League title and  NCAA tournament berth in 2022.

“Besides being a very talented and dedicated tennis player, Caroline also demonstrated outstanding leadership skills,” Pali High Coach Bud Kling said. “She had an excellent sense of humor and a warm personality. She was destined to go on to higher levels of achievement.”

Off the court, Vincent’s accomplishments have been equally impressive. A leader in the Corps of Cadets, she was recently named Battalion Commander, overseeing over 380 cadets from freshmen to seniors. After being named captain she reached out to local nonprofits and she and her teammates volunteered at a soup kitchen and food shelter. Her West Point days may be over but her legacy will last forever.

“I am so grateful for tennis and the ways it has impacted my path, the people it brought into my life, and the lessons it taught me,” said Vincent, who grew up in the Highlands. “Although my college tennis days are over, I am eager to remain connected with the tennis community and find ways to give back to the sport I love.”