The University of Mary Washington athletic department dedicated court number seven at the Edward Hegmann Jr. Tennis Complex after two-time national champion and three-time All-American Christy Copper '91 at a ceremony on Wednesday at the courts prior to the UMW women's team's CAC Tournament match against St. Mary's College.

The only athlete in MWC history to play on two national championship teams, Christy was a three-time All-America selection and the most decorated player in MWC tennis history. In her four-year career, she achieved a singles record of 114-30. She was named the NCAA Division III National Senior Player of the Year as well as the MWC Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year in 1991. She is also an founding and active member of the Eagle Club Advisory Board! Christy was inducted into the UMW Athletics Hall of Fame in 2001 as a member of the ’91 NCAA Champion W. Tennis Team and then again in 2002 as an individual.

"It is fitting to name tennis court #7 in honor of Christy Copper ’91", said UMW Director of AThletics Ken Tyler. "Christy was one of the greatest players in Mary Washington history and had many victories on that court. More importantly, her legacy of leadership and support to UMW continue to make a difference in the lives of our current student-athletes. I hope Christy’s naming gift will be the first of many for our athletic facilities as our proud tradition connects to our exciting future!"

The resolution, as given by the UMW Board of Visitors, reads as follows:

WHEREAS, Christy Copper ’91 was a shining example of the Division III student-athlete at the University of Mary Washington from 1987-1991; she achieved a record of 114-30 and is the only student-athlete in UMW history to play on two national championship teams. Copper was a three-time women’s tennis All-America selection, was named the NCAA Division III National Senior Player of the Year, the MWC Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year in 1991; and was inducted into the UMW Athletic Hall of Fame in 2002; and

WHEREAS, Christy Copper ’91 is an active and original member of the Eagle Club Advisory Board and is a loyal Mary Washington supporter, contributing over $10,000 to the UMW Eagle Club; and

WHEREAS, the UMW Named Gift Policy adopted by the Board of Visitors on September 21, 2013, provides for benefactor naming in recognition of substantial financial contributions by donors to the University; and the UMW Athletics Eagle Club provides for the naming of individual tennis courts at the $10,000 level;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Rector and Visitors of the University of Mary Washington, in recognition of her outstanding accomplishments and contributions, tennis court #7 at the Battleground Athletic Complex is hereby dedicated in her honor.

APRIL 17, 2015