ORLANDO, Fla. – The Haverford College women's tennis team took time out of its training and competition schedule to conduct a clinic with fifth grade students from Rock Lake Elementary School on Thursday. The clinic helped to commemorate World Tennis Day.

"The clinic was a great idea spearheaded by our assistant Coach, Louis Bolling," said head coach Ann Koger. "Our student-athletes fulfilled the mission of the college by volunteering and sharing their time and talents. They enjoyed the clinic as much as the youth who participated, they couldn't stop talking about it."

"This experience today put excitement in my students," stated Rock Lake Principal, Robin Broner. "I would love to expose our students to the game of tennis, hoping that it will open other doors for them."

In addition to its academic and athletic success, Division III Athletics places an emphasis on community service. Wednesday's activities were yet another example of Haverford's dedication to helping others that can be witnessed throughout the athletic department.

"I've never taught a class before but it was exciting to see their energy," stated Stephany Prodromos. The Fords' freshman explained that she "learned how to project ideas of the game and it was nice to see them want to learn something new."

Those sentiments were echoed by her teammate, Caroline Steliotes. "As an aspiring teacher, I loved the opportunity to work with and teach young students a sport that I came to love at their age."

In addition to World Tennis Day, the inspiration behind the team building, service learning engagement was to commemorate International Women's Day (March  8), National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (March 10), National Nutrition Month, Social Workers Month and National Women's History Month. The clinic was well received by the students, many who played tennis for the first time today.

"I teach underprivileged kids with the City of Reading Tennis Program and am amazed every time of the exact same excitement each child displays when we do the clinics," explained sophomore Greta Koch. "I'm always happy to be the reason why they're laughing and playing and making a positive impact in their lives."

Koch's classmate, Courtney Ahmed, was rejuvenated by the experience. "Seeing the kids' excitement made me more excited about the sport."

Coach Koger, recently awarded the USTA Philadelphia District Presidential Service Award, summed up the experience best. "Both our team members and Rock Lake Elementary students learned from the experience."

The Fords close out their spring break week on Friday against Colorado College before heading back to campus on Saturday.