RCC Students Honored For National Tennis Achievements

The Rockland County Legislature has recognized two local Rockland Community College students for their outstanding tennis accomplishments.

Legislator John A. Murphy and Legislature Chairman Alden H. Wolfe honored Elina Arakelyan of Tappan and Brooke Strieter of Stony Point for their strong finishes in the 2015 National Junior College Athletic Association Division III Women’s Tennis Championship.

“We’re very happy to recognize these players for their outstanding achievement,” Murphy said. “They have chosen to make tennis their career and I’m sure they will be very successful.”

Said Wolfe, “The fact that they are athletes that really could have chosen to play anywhere, and they chose to play here in Rockland County for Rockland Community College is very impressive and we’re all very proud.”

Arakelyan, an Armenian native in the process of obtaining her U.S. citizenship, finished second in the Flight 1 Singles tourney.

She also joined teammate Brooke Strieter of Stony Point in the Flight 1 Doubles tourney. The duo finished in fifth place.

Overall, Rockland Community College finished in 7th place nationally, with matches played in late October at the Peachtree City Tennis Center in Peachtree City, Ga.

Joseph Gravagna, RCC’s Men’s and Women’s Tennis Coach, said that due to her play, Arakelyan was also selected as a Second Team All-American – the first time in about 30 years that any RCC tennis team member has made All-American.

Gravagna said the doubles team finish marked the highest finish for an RCC tennis team in 50 years.

Photo, post from the Rockland County Legislature