The Colonial Athletic Association presented University of Delaware senior women's tennis player Julia Shapiro the 2005 John H. Randolph Inspiration Award, which recognizes individuals who through strength of character and human spirit serve as an inspiration to all to maximize their potential and ability for success.

Shapiro recently completed a four-year tennis career at UD while battling multiple sclerosis. Shapiro, who received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UD during Commencement exercises in May, is the second member of the Fightin’ Blue Hens to earn the award in the last four years. Softball standout Mandy Welch, who overcame an 80 percent hearing loss to earn All-CAA honors, received the award in 2002.

Shapiro earned a spot on the UD tennis team as a freshman walk-on in 2001. However, several weeks into the fall semester, she was diagnosed with MS. After a long and difficult process to find the appropriate medications, Shapiro returned to the tennis team in the spring and worked her way into the starting line-up despite having to undergo daily injections.

Shapiro had her best season as a sophomore when she posted a 14-7 record playing at both the number three and number six singles positions.

Her playing time diminished over the last two years because of the effects of the illness, which has included vision problems. Still, Shapiro was able to earn a spot on the 2004-05 team, which was one of the best in UD history, and she also served as a co-captain.

Shapiro maintained a 3.0 grade point average while majoring in psychology and minoring in Spanish. She was an active member of the UD Student-Athlete Advisory Council and was a peer mentor in athletics.

In addition to her own struggles with MS, Shapiro has had to deal with family health challenges. Her father, Gary, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease when she was in eighth grade, and her mother, Ellen, was diagnosed with colon cancer in January.

"The most remarkable part about Julia is her mental courage and strength," UD Head Coach Laura Travis says. "She has never asked for or expected special treatment. Most of the people on the team did not even know that she has MS. She simply refuses to let it be an excuse. They didn't know what a battle it was for her to get her body out of bed and function, let alone practice and compete with 100 percent intensity every day. She was our hardest worker and our fiercest competitor.”

Travis says Shapiro “has been and will always be a leader and a team player.” She says Shapiro always did whatever was needed, whether it was cooking team dinners, taking breakfast orders or organizing team meetings. Calling her “the most remarkable person I have ever had the privilege of coaching.” Travis adds, “Her battle and how she handles it always puts my life in perspective."

The John H. Randolph Inspiration Award is named for the former athletic director at the College of William & Mary, who died of cancer in 1995.