WINONA, Minn. - Emily Dondelinger, Philip Apel, and Tucker Stene of the Saint Mary's tennis teams stood out both on the court and in the classroom, excelling academically while also being top performers for their respective teams.
 
These Cardinals earned the prestigious award of being named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team. 
 
To be eligible, athletes must maintain a minimum 3.50 GPA on a 4.0 scale, participate in at least 90 percent of their team's games or start in at least 66 percent of them, and make a meaningful contribution on the field.
 
The sophomore Business Intelligence and Analytics major from Bemidji, Minnesota, Dondelinger earned her first academic honor while competing in the top four singles rotation and holding the No. 2 spot in doubles. She tallied 21 wins this season while maintaining a 3.87 GPA.
 
A Biology and Health Science major from North Oaks, Minnesota, Apel earned his first academic honor as a Cardinal while playing a key role in the No. 4 singles and No. 2 doubles positions. He recorded nine total wins this season and achieved a 3.73 GPA.
 
A three-time recipient of this honor, Stene—a Graphic Design major from Fridley, Minnesota—excelled both academically and athletically throughout his Cardinal career. He maintained a 3.66 GPA while competing in every match, playing in the top five singles spots and top three doubles positions, and earning 16 wins this season.
 
The Cardinal women's tennis team finished the season with a 13-8 overall record—their best since the 2018–19 campaign—and secured eighth place in the MIAC standings.
 
The Cardinal men's team concluded the season with a 7-13 overall record.