Hamilton, Webster and Tapia-Cruz Named to MVC Tennis Scholar-Athlete Team

ST. LOUIS – Belmont University women's tennis' Libbie Hamilton, Savannah Webster and Cielo Tapia-Cruz have landed a spot on the 2026 Missouri Valley Conference Tennis Scholar-Athlete Team, which was announced by the conference office Tuesday afternoon. The Bruin trio has been exceptional in the classroom while remaining dedicated to their craft on the court.
 
A senior from Mobile, Alabama, Hamilton has maintained a 3.75 cumulative grade point average while studying biology. She primarily played the No. 5 and No. 6 singles positions along with No. 3 doubles this spring.
 
El Segundo, California, native Webster holds a 3.80 cumulative GPA majoring in social work. The redshirt freshman made an immediate impact in her first year at Belmont, taking on No. 1 singles responsibilities and also playing at the top of the doubles lineup alongside Jessica Popiol. Named All-MVC First Team in doubles, Webster and Popiol put together an impressive 10-6 record at the No. 1 spot and went 6-1 in the Valley. Webster earned seven match wins at No. 1 singles and recorded 10 singles victories throughout the year, including fall tournament action.
 
A native of Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico, Tapia-Cruz owns a perfect 4.0 GPA while pursuing her master's degree in sport administration. The graduate student went 4-4 at No. 2 singles this season and played No. 2 doubles. On Feb. 24, Tapia-Cruz and freshman Mia Jones were tabbed MVC Doubles Team of the Week after moving up to No. 1 doubles and collecting a win at Tennessee State.
 
To be eligible for MVC Tennis Scholar-Athlete Team nomination, student-athletes must have a 3.50 cumulative GPA as both an undergraduate and graduate student, when applicable. Additionally, student-athletes must be at least a sophomore in academic and athletic standing. First-year transfer student-athletes are eligible for nomination. Eligible nominees must be in either or both the doubles and singles lineup for at least 50 percent of the team's dual matches played.
 
Each institution must select one of its nominees to be added to the league's MVC Tennis Scholar-Athlete of the Year ballot. The Valley's communications contacts for tennis vote on the MVC Tennis Scholar-Athlete of the Year and may not vote for their own nominees.
 
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