Women's Tennis Volunteers at the 2011 U.S. Open
9/13/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
FLUSHING, N.Y. - As the world's best players gathered in the "Big Apple" to compete in the 2011 U.S. Open, the Seton Hall women's tennis team took time out from preparing for its own upcoming season to give back to the community.
Included in the festivities surrounding the tournament was an attraction known as "SmashZone," billed as the premier interactive fan experience at the Open. All members of the team spent six hours helping coordinate the various recreational and skill building exercises offered at the event, a list highlighted by the USTA's youth participation initiative: "10 and Under Tennis." This initiative gives children the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of the game using scaled-down courts and adapted equipment.
"Community service events are always very rewarding for the team," said senior captain Elizabeth Verow (Barnt Green, England). "We had never volunteered at the SmashZone initiative at the US Open before, but from the success of this year, it will hopefully be something we can do every year. It is impossible to not be excited to meet the children, especially when they always appear so excited to see and talk to us. It's infectious. It was a great opportunity to promote the game and give back at the same time."
Head coach Greg Wyzykowski knows that even though the team wasn't on the court, this was certainly no day off. "Six hours of volunteer work is emotionally satisfying, yet physically draining," said Wyzykowski. "Overall, I think the fans and the team enjoyed the experience and I am proud of the enthusiasm our team showed throughout the entire day."
The women's tennis team heads to Hamden, Conn. this weekend with the start of the fall season. The Pirates will compete in the Quinnipiac University Tournament on Friday, September 16 at 3:00 p.m. The field also includes hosts Quinnipiac, Fairfield, Army, UConn, Sacred Heart, and Hartford.
