April 1, 2006

Columbia, Mo. - The University of Missouri women's tennis team participates annually in a number of community service projects. As a team, the Tigers put in a day's work at the Central Missouri Food Bank on Saturday.

The Tigers have an upcoming free tennis clinic where they will work with area kids at the Green Tennis Center. They have also participated in their annual Pro-Am which serves as a community mixer.

Tiger Head Coach Blake Starkey believes volunteering in the community is important. "Community service is one of the best and most fulfilling things anyone can do, period. Aside from tennis, I'm am always proud that our team is involved with these kinds of things as well as the numerous initiatives the department as a whole undertakes."

Tiger freshman Stephanie Johns is proud of her work at the food bank. "Doing this just makes us look at our world and situations differently. Today we did a lot of work with canned goods and with more hot dogs than I've ever seen, and it wasn't the most pleasant thing I've done this year. But it's good and the feeling stays with you. We always feel like we have done something important."

The Tigers get back to the courts Sunday at noon, when they host No. 65 Oklahoma State at the Green Tennis Center. All home matches are open to the public.