William Blumberg
Photo by: Manuela Davies/USTA
Blumberg Wins Rafael Osuna Sportsmanship Award
June 21, 2021 | Men's Tennis
CHAPEL HILL—University of North Carolina fifth-year senior William Blumberg has won the 2021 ITA Rafael Osuna Sportsmanship Award, the Intercollegiate Tennis Association announced on Monday.
The ITA Rafael Osuna Sportsmanship Award is the ITA's longest-running award. It honors a Division I men's student-athlete who displays sportsmanship, character, excellent academics and has had outstanding playing accomplishments.
The award was established in 1969 in memory of Rafael Osuna, who was killed in a place accident at the age of 30. Osuna is one of the all-time great collegiate tennis players, winning three NCAA doubles titles and the 1962 NCAA singles title as part of a USC team that many consider to be the greatest in history.
Blumberg's name is synonymous with athletic excellence in the college tennis world, but his work off the court is equally impressive. The three-time team captain is a regular visitor at the UNC Hospital Pediatric Oncology Center. He takes the time to visit with fans, teammates, coaches, and opponents alike.
Blumberg has regularly been acknowledged for his sportsmanship. Last season, he was named the Mildred McCaskill Award winner by UNC for his excellence in athletics, academics and community service. He is also the only 10-time ITA All-America in history.
Blumberg is the third Tar Heel player to win the award, joining Roland Thornqvist, who won it in 1992 and 1993, and David Caldwell, who won it in 1995.
The ITA Rafael Osuna Sportsmanship Award is the ITA's longest-running award. It honors a Division I men's student-athlete who displays sportsmanship, character, excellent academics and has had outstanding playing accomplishments.
The award was established in 1969 in memory of Rafael Osuna, who was killed in a place accident at the age of 30. Osuna is one of the all-time great collegiate tennis players, winning three NCAA doubles titles and the 1962 NCAA singles title as part of a USC team that many consider to be the greatest in history.
Blumberg's name is synonymous with athletic excellence in the college tennis world, but his work off the court is equally impressive. The three-time team captain is a regular visitor at the UNC Hospital Pediatric Oncology Center. He takes the time to visit with fans, teammates, coaches, and opponents alike.
Blumberg has regularly been acknowledged for his sportsmanship. Last season, he was named the Mildred McCaskill Award winner by UNC for his excellence in athletics, academics and community service. He is also the only 10-time ITA All-America in history.
Blumberg is the third Tar Heel player to win the award, joining Roland Thornqvist, who won it in 1992 and 1993, and David Caldwell, who won it in 1995.
Huge congratulations to Tar Heel @willblumberg, who won the prestigious @ITA_Tennis Rafael Osuna Award for 2021 on Monday!https://t.co/XjGREpn3dY#GoHeels pic.twitter.com/ifXuMgo2HS
— UNC Men's Tennis 🐏🎾 (@carolinatennis) June 21, 2021
Players Mentioned
/ Men's Tennis
UNC Field Hockey: Carolina Holds Off Princeton, 3-2
Sunday, September 07
UNC Women's Soccer: Tar Heels Shut Out JMU, 3-0
Sunday, September 07
UNC Volleyball: Tar Heels Sweep Oral Roberts
Sunday, September 07
UNC Football: Belichick Gets First Win as Heels Down Charlotte, 20-3
Sunday, September 07