FLUSHING, N.Y. — The Intercollegiate Tennis Association held its 2026 Leadership Awards ceremony this past weekend at the U.S. Open, honoring past and present individuals who have made a significant and positive impact on college tennis. Marielle Sauber (The Woodlands, TX/The John Cooper School) '26 was recognized as the recipient of the 2026 Ann Lebedeff Leadership Award, endowed by global sports icon Billie Jean King.
The award honors a recent college graduate from any level of college tennis who demonstrated excellence on and off the court and leadership on their team, on their campus and in their community. Recipients show a passion and perseverance toward long-term goals, a commitment to social justice and equality, and a drive to push others toward leadership in addition to modeling their own.
"Marielle Sauber (The Woodlands, TX/The John Cooper School) embodies the integrity and commitment to service that define the Ann Lebedeff Leadership Award," said ITA CEO David Mullins. "Throughout her collegiate career, she has demonstrated the ability to positively influence those around her, lead by example, and make a meaningful impact both within her campus community and through the sport of tennis. The ITA is proud to recognize Marielle for her outstanding achievements and contributions, and we are grateful to Billie Jean King for her continued support of this award and its mission to celebrate the next generation of women leaders."
Sauber closed out her Smith career this spring with a 2-2 singles record and a 3-1 mark in doubles, highlighted by a 6-0, 6-0 win at No. 5 singles in the NEWMAC Quarterfinal against Springfield that extended the Bears' lead to 3-0, and a 6-1, 6-2 win at No. 3 singles against Emerson on Senior Day. A neuroscience major, she was named to the NEWMAC All-Sportsmanship Team in 2022-23 after posting a 6-5 singles record, and served as a STRIDE Scholar, a SAAC representative and a member of both the Pre-Health and Pre-Law societies.
At the ceremony, the award was presented to Sauber by longtime Smith coach Chris Davis, the 2019 recipient of the ITA Meritorious Service Award. As one of the most prestigious honors in college tennis, the award carries a postgraduate scholarship.
As part of the awards weekend, honorees toured the grounds ahead of the ceremony and had the opportunity to play on the U.S. Open courts alongside the best players in the world.
"I am incredibly honored to receive the 2026 ITA Ann Lebedeff Leadership Award," Sauber said. "Representing Smith College throughout my collegiate tennis career has been a privilege, and the experiences I've had as a student-athlete have shaped me not only as a competitor, but as a leader and advocate. From serving my campus community to working with student-athletes across college tennis, I've been inspired by the power of sport to create meaningful change and bring people together. I am proud to represent Smith College and grateful to the coaches, teammates, mentors, and peers who have supported me along the way. This award reinforces my commitment to serving others, uplifting those around me, and continuing to use my voice to make a positive impact."
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Smith College is a NCAA Division III member of the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) that sponsors 11 intercollegiate sports. For more information, log on to GoSmithBears.com and follow the Bears on Facebook and Instagram.
