Valparaiso University women’s tennis standout Olivia Czerwonka (Kenosha, Wis. / Saint Joseph Catholic Academy) continued to add to her long and well-deserved list of awards and honors this weekend.

Czerwonka was presented with the Valparaiso University Alumni Association Distinguished Student Award, representing the College of Nursing and Health Professions. Czerwonka, who owns a 3.70 cumulative grade point average in nursing, was one of eight Valpo students to receive the award and was the only student-athlete honored.

Every year, VUAA recognizes graduating students of distinction from the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, Engineering, Nursing and Health Professions and Christ College. These students embody ideals of scholarship, leadership, service and character. Upon receiving nominations and supporting materials from the deans and faculty, a committee of VUAA board members chooses recipients from each college commensurate with the nominating college’s enrollment.

Czerwonka’s long list of honors includes the following – three-time team Most Valuable Player, two-time MVC All-Select Team, 2021-22 All-MVC First Team, 2021-22 MVC Player of the Year, three-time MVC Scholar-Athlete First Team, 2021-22 Valparaiso University Female Athlete of the Year, 2022-23 Collegiate Sports Communicators Academic All-District, 11 career MVC weekly awards, 62 career doubles wins (second in program history), 63 career singles wins (second in program history) and Fall 2021 MVC Flight 2 Singles Champion and Flight 1 Doubles Champion.

Czerwonka is not done yet as she plans to utilize her fifth year of eligibility by returning to the Valpo tennis program for the 2023-24 campaign.