Alanna Santanello '06 was recently honored at the Excellent Women Awards hosted by Rhode Island Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Roberts. The event honored four female student-athletes from Rhode Island's colleges and universities who excelled in competition and leadership, while contributing to the strength of the Rhode Island community.

"Alanna Santanello excelled on and off the tennis court and is a great example of the constructive role sports can play in our state," said Roberts.

As the mother of two teenage student-athletes, Roberts understands the important role sports can play in the lives of young people, as well as the benefits physical activity can have on the health of all Rhode Islanders.

"Sports have a positive influence on our physical health and gives young people the building blocks they need to succeed," she said.

This year, Santanello helped guide the Lady Bulldogs to their third straight Northeast-10 tennis championship, and third consecutive appearance in the NCAA Division II Tournament. She earned All-Conference First Team in doubles with a perfect 12-0 record.

In May, Santanello earned a bachelor of science in business administration concentrating in accounting, with a minor in legal studies. She was also a member of Bryant's Accounting Association.

Before coming to Bryant, Santanello was a four-year varsity tennis player at LaSalle Academy in Providence, garnering two All-State selections and two All-Division awards.

Excellent Women Awards were also given to athletes from Roger Williams University, Providence College and Rhode Island College.