Flushing, N.Y. – For the month of September, Brooklyn College’s Yuliya Orkis has been named the CUNYAC/Hospital for Special Surgery Scholar Athlete of the Month. Orkis plays Women’s Tennis for the Bulldogs and, as a sophomore, is their best singles player.
Last year, the Theater major had an amazing season going 12-0 in singles and 11-2 in doubles. Her efforts earned her the title 2011 CUNYAC Women’s Tennis Player of the Year. This season, she has continued her success with a 5-0 singles record and a 4-0 doubles record. Throughout the month she did not drop a set and shut out a set nine times in singles play and once in double play.
Her production on the court has been remarkable but her coach has found something else to be proud of.
“In her short time with us, Julie has already earned herself many accolades;” said Coach Ahmad Odetalla. “However, she and I would probably be most proud of her being a scholar athlete as it shows just how hard she works both on the tennis courts, but in the classroom as well.”
Orkis has been a member of the Dean’s list throughout her time at Brooklyn while maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA. The Brooklyn native certainly has certainly made an impact on and off the court in her short time.
"I am pleased and humbled to receive this award;” said Orkis. “I am a very hard worker and rarely pause to take a break whether it's at practice, during a match, in the classroom or life in general. It's nice to know that my efforts are seen and appreciated."