The ITA Arthur Ashe Jr. Leadership and Sportsmanship Award recognizes outstanding student-athletes in all five divisions at the national level. This prestigious award, which dates back to 1982, is presented to the men’s and women’s national student-athletes who have exhibited outstanding sportsmanship and leadership, as well as scholastic, extracurricular and tennis achievements.
Andrew Ton has been leading the Navy men’s tennis team in different ways every year for the last four years. As a freshman, Andrew played number one for our team which had only been done one other time in the last twenty years. He has held the number one spot for the entirety of his college career. While Andrew’s teammates look to him during competition as our best player, they also know he encapsulates what we expect out of every member of the team in competition. Andrew always brings positive energy to his teammates in matches while always being respectful and fair towards his opponents.
While Andrew has been a leader through his play as a student athlete, how he goes about his daily commitment to life at the USNA has also been very influential within the team dynamic. For the majority of the students who embrace the opportunity at the USNA, their daily life is set up to be uncomfortable, providing them with the opportunity to overcome challenges. Andrew has excelled in this area ranking in the top ten of his company every year. This ranking is based on an average of academic and military achievement. Even if you are a great student and meet your military obligations, it does not guarantee a high ranking. In order to achieve a high ranking a student must be able to go out of his or her way repeatedly to assist and be there for their company mates in social, academic and military settings. No one makes it on their own at the USNA. They need one another to make it through the daily grind. Every player on our team is expected to try to be ranked among the top 15 in his company class. It is a lot easier for the entire team to understand our expectations outside of the court when your best player strives to achieve it every semester.
A letter from Navy Men's Tennis Head Coach, Chris Garner
Andrew,
Congratulations on being recognized with the 2021 National Arthur Ashe Sportsmanship and Leadership Award, considered by many to be the highest honor in all of intercollegiate tennis.
Mr. Ashe was a trailblazer who exemplified class, dignity and integrity in all areas of his life - both on and off the tennis court. His accomplishments as a tennis player were surpassed only by his achievements as a social activist and statesman. Mr. Ashe was the ultimate sportsman and human being.
To even be mentioned in the same sentence as Mr. Ashe is an honor in itself. To receive an award in his name is a tribute to your rare character and values.
The Navy Men's Tennis program will forever be better because of your presence in Annapolis. You displayed competitiveness and compassion in the way you lived your daily life at the Academy. We will all remember your dedication and commitment to be successful in the classroom. In addition, as this year's Captain, your teammates will remember the time you took to exhibit empathy, care and love.
As your coach, I will remember a young man with drive, respect and faith who lives with a true appreciation for competition, pressure, challenges, and the opportunity that every new day brings. It has been an absolute privilege for me to learn from you.
As you enter the next phase of your life's journey, always remember that Mr. Ashe - who served in the United States Army from 1966-68 - lived a life of leadership that positively affected countless lives. While you have spent your young life preparing to serve your country in the United States Marines, please always strive to stay true to your high moral character and positive outlook on life.
Andrew, you are a special person who undoubtedly will continue to make us all extremely proud.
With deep respect, Chris Garner