Rockhurst senior Rodolfo Gauto-Mariotti has been named the ITA/Arthur Ashe Leadership and Sportsmanship Award winner for the NCAA Division II Midwest Region. The ITA/Arthur Ashe Leadership and Sportsmanship Award recognizes outstanding individuals in all divisions at the regional and national level. This award, which dates back to 1982, goes to NCAA Divisions I, II and III, NAIA and JUCO men's and women's players who have exhibited outstanding sportsmanship and leadership as well as scholastic, extracurricular and tennis achievements.

Gauto-Mariotti posted a 17-7 record in No. 1 singles for the Hawks. He also went 19-8 in No. 1 and 2 doubles. He finished his four-year career with a 58-21 record in singles and 60-30 record in doubles. He was named to the All-Conference Team in his senior year.

In the classroom, Gauto-Mariotti has a 3.99 grade point average. He will graduate in December with a degree in economics. He was a Capital One Academic All-American in 2012 and is an Academic All-American finalist this spring. He is also a three-time Academic All-GLVC and ITA Scholar-Athlete honoree. Gauto-Mariotti has done extensive volunteer work with the several not-for-profit  foundations in his native country of Paraguay.

"Rodolfo has always competed with class, good sportsmanship, and a desire to do well for his teammates. He also displays sportsmanship within the team and holds the rest of the team accountable to being good sports on and off the court," said Carolina Mayorga-Perry, Rockhurst men's and women's tennis coach.

"Another great asset I see in Rodolfo is that he is willing to put others before himself. He has spent a lot of time volunteering around the community, helping children and others in need.  He has also spent summers in his country volunteering for the less fortunate. He is a very compassionate individual."