NSU tennis coach Olga Bazhanova and Polina Mutel, a sophomore from Russia, visited the Kiwanis Club at its meeting Aug. 25.

Bazhanova talked about the team’s success and how it stems from the community that supports them.

Six Northwestern State tennis players qualified for the Intercollegiate Tennis Association All-Academic Team to lead a Lady Demons squad that earned the ITA’s team academic award.

NSU was one of three Southland Conference teams and four Louisiana teams to have members recognized, but the Lady Demons’ six individual selections led the conference and state.

Lady Demons earning the individual honors included Natalya Krutova, Polina Ivanova, Iryna Vardanian, Polina Mutel, Ilijiana Ivic and Barbora Kollarova. Individuals had to have a 3.5 GPA for the past academic year.

Teams needed a 3.2 GPA for the past academic year to be eligible for the team award.

“The entire coaching staff is very proud of the girls and their accomplishments,” said tennis coach Olga Bazhanova. “Their dedication and hard work pays off when they receive awards like these.

“The team GPA was more than 3.6 this year and was one of the highest in the conference and the nation. Our strong tennis program attracts smart and hard-working girls. Our university provides a variety of great academic programs with great opportunities and experiences. The high-level of performance of our tennis team and their off-court national achievements speak for themselves, and we are pleased to have such a wonderful group of girls who want look forward to similar achievements in the future.”