DURHAM, N.C. – North Carolina Central University rising junior Alejandro Espitia has been named The Banks Law Firm NCCU Student-Athlete of the Month for July 2010 in recognition of his outstanding accomplishments in the classroom and on the court as a member of the tennis team.

A native of Bogota, Colombia, Espitia boasts a perfect 4.0 grade point average as a political science major. Following graduation from NCCU, he plans on attending law school and pursuing a career in international law or diplomacy.

During the 2010 NCCU Athletics awards program, Espitia was presented with the Chancellor’s Award as the student-athlete with the highest overall grade point average.

On the court during the Spring 2010 campaign, he captured eight singles victories, including five wins at the No. 2 singles position. In doubles play, he teamed up to earn 10 victories with eight coming at the No. 2 doubles spot.

“It’s rare when a coach can refer to a player as the consummate student-athlete, but this honor is certainly befitting of Alejandro Espitia,” NCCU Director of Tennis and Men’s Tennis Head Coach Curtis Lawson said. “Alejandro has been the co-captain of the men’s tennis team for the past two years and his leadership both on and off the court has been exemplary.

“As a rising junior he has maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA since the first semester he arrived at NCCU and on the courts he is one of our top players, earning the respect of both his teammates and opponents,” Lawson added. “His strong work ethic is the driving force behind his many accomplishments and without doubt Alejandro Espitia epitomizes the spirit of Eagle Pride.”