The University of Mississippi Athletics
Lady Rebel Netters Spend Day With People Of Gulf Coast
1/12/2008 | Women's Tennis
OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. -- The Ole Miss women's tennis team spent the day Saturday, giving back to a community hit hard almost three years ago by Hurricane Katrina. The Lady Rebels hosted two free clinics here at Treasure Oak Country Club for children and adults.
The day began with the Lady Rebels getting in some practice in preparation for the start of the 2008 season, after being away for several weeks on the semester break.
Following a two-hour practice and lunch, approximately 50 kids of all ages showed up to participate in the clinic and learn valuable tips and instruction from members of the Ole Miss team and coaching staff.
The Lady Rebels worked with the junior players on forehands, backhands, volleying and finally serves. At the end participants had an opportunity to win free t-shirts, as well as get autographed team posters and visit with the team members.
At 2:30 p.m., the adults hit the hardcourts for an hour and a half, working on the same drills. Close to 50 people ranging in all levels from beginners to highly-experienced players participated.
"We are really excited about the turnout for the junior clinic as well as the adult clinic," head coach Mark Beyers said. "It was great for us as a team to do something that we don't get to do often, and especially for the people on the gulf coast. The numbers we had shows the interest in tennis here.
"We want to again thank head pro Steve Pennington and former Lady Rebel Karem Harboe-Graeber for helping us put this together. The girls really enjoyed being able to do something different, and from a team-building standpoint, it was great."
The Lady Rebels open the season Jan. 20 at home against Middle Tennessee. First serve is at 12:30 p.m. at the Gillom Sports Center.
