Men’s Tennis Wins ITA Community Service Award
Jun 9 | Men's Tennis
DALLAS – The SMU men's tennis team has been given the ITA Texas Regional Community Service Award for making a constant meaningful impact on its surrounding community throughout the year. Head coach Grant Chen has placed an emphasis on making a positive difference in the Dallas area.
The Mustangs have partnered with the Dallas Wheelchair Tennis Club, making a difference in the lives of individuals who have overcome physical obstacles to successfully play the game of tennis. The Run and Roll campaign has allowed players in wheelchairs to partner up on the doubles court with able-bodied athletes, competing for the betterment of their minds and bodies.
Dallas Wheelchair Tennis Club president Carlos Turic shared, "The partnership between SMU tennis and the Dallas Wheelchair Tennis Club has been a critical part of the recent growth and development of our Junior & Beginners group of players. The commitment of Coach Chen, Coach Nevolo, and Rex [Cuajunco] to provide access to facilities and mentorship have kept these new players coming back all summer. The DWTC just hopes that the SMU tennis programs have gotten as much from our partnership as we have."
Alex Buck '83 added "Without the use of the SMU indoor courts, our son Eiler would not be able to play any tennis during the summer. It makes such a difference in Eiler's and the other medically fragile players' summer activity level. I am so proud of how SMU supports the community."
The team has also made a substantial impact on DFW youth through their work with the Junior Mustang Club. The SMU players and coaches have hosted a number of tennis clinics for kids under the age of 12, using their skills and expertise to further the game generationally and in the community. Many of these young players have also learned the ropes of being ball-kids, participating on the courts at select Mustang matches.
After his team received the award, Chen stated, "It is exciting for the team. Tennis is such a global and meaningful game to so many, and it's wonderful to be able to pay it forward. The Styslinger/Altec Tennis Complex has been the home of SMU tennis, but also to other tennis organizations and groups in the Dallas community. The Junior Mustang Club has been one of our most successful, exposing young children to collegiate tennis and its electric energy. Sports can and should be enjoyed by all. Our most rewarding partnership has been with the Dallas Wheelchair Tennis Club, allowing adaptive sports to grow in a beautiful facility."
The Mustangs have partnered with the Dallas Wheelchair Tennis Club, making a difference in the lives of individuals who have overcome physical obstacles to successfully play the game of tennis. The Run and Roll campaign has allowed players in wheelchairs to partner up on the doubles court with able-bodied athletes, competing for the betterment of their minds and bodies.
Dallas Wheelchair Tennis Club president Carlos Turic shared, "The partnership between SMU tennis and the Dallas Wheelchair Tennis Club has been a critical part of the recent growth and development of our Junior & Beginners group of players. The commitment of Coach Chen, Coach Nevolo, and Rex [Cuajunco] to provide access to facilities and mentorship have kept these new players coming back all summer. The DWTC just hopes that the SMU tennis programs have gotten as much from our partnership as we have."
Alex Buck '83 added "Without the use of the SMU indoor courts, our son Eiler would not be able to play any tennis during the summer. It makes such a difference in Eiler's and the other medically fragile players' summer activity level. I am so proud of how SMU supports the community."
The team has also made a substantial impact on DFW youth through their work with the Junior Mustang Club. The SMU players and coaches have hosted a number of tennis clinics for kids under the age of 12, using their skills and expertise to further the game generationally and in the community. Many of these young players have also learned the ropes of being ball-kids, participating on the courts at select Mustang matches.
After his team received the award, Chen stated, "It is exciting for the team. Tennis is such a global and meaningful game to so many, and it's wonderful to be able to pay it forward. The Styslinger/Altec Tennis Complex has been the home of SMU tennis, but also to other tennis organizations and groups in the Dallas community. The Junior Mustang Club has been one of our most successful, exposing young children to collegiate tennis and its electric energy. Sports can and should be enjoyed by all. Our most rewarding partnership has been with the Dallas Wheelchair Tennis Club, allowing adaptive sports to grow in a beautiful facility."
Sunday, October 18
Sunday, October 18
Sunday, October 18
Saturday, October 17
