Kearney, Neb. – Nebraska Kearney redshirt senior Clare Plachy recently was named the Central Region's Most Improved Player.

The Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) hands out regional awards annually and the current honors include Coach of the Year, Assistant Coach of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Senior Player of the Year, Player to Watch and Most Improved. The ITA Regional awards began in 2001.

Plachy (Lincoln Pius X) wrapped up a five-year collegiate career earlier this month and overcame serious injury to be a two-year starter and a 2026 All-MIAA pick in doubles. Winning over 100 combined matches as a Loper, she was at three/four singles and two doubles this past season and was named the MIAA Sportsmanship Award Winner. Previously, Amanda Alvarez (2016) and Paula Jimenez (2018) were tabbed as the region's Most Improved Senior Player.

UNK won 10 duals this past season, reaching the MIAA Tournament and spending time in the national polls.