KNIGHTS GIVEN ITA COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

The Intercollegiate Tennis Association has honored the San Diego City College women's tennis team with its Community Service Award at the annual state championship banquet in Ojai, Calif. on Wednesday evening. 

The Knights volunteered at Tennisfest, which is one of the largest free tennis events in the country, providing free tennis for 1,000 people and raising money for Tennis Thanks the Troops.

The Knights participated as instructors for kids aged 10 and under and also started a new activity for Tennisfest called Beat the College Player. 

The tennis team also took part in Shop-With-A-Jock in December. This event, put on by the San Diego City College athletic department, helps some of the school's struggling full-time students who have young children by pairing each child with a student-athlete and given a $100 gift card to shop at Target. 

"Often times, many of my players are struggling themselves, however, they are always willing to help others out," said Head Coach Jami Jones. "I want them to be appreciative of what they have and to recognize the joy and satisfaction they will give and receive from helping others."

Over the years, the team has also volunteered at multicultural fairs and raised money to donate to the food pantry at SDCC, which provides free meals to students in need. 

In addition to giving back to the community this past year, the Knights had their most successful season in recent history. They went 13-5 overall and had the second best record in the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference at 11-3, just one match behind co-champions Grossmont and Mt. San Jacinto. This season was the second consecutive with a winning record. 

Three players made the All-PCAC team, including Brianna Hooks, Erica Letzring, and Marilyn Kathka. 

At the state championship tournament in Ojai, the doubles teams of Brianna Leigh-Pink/Kacie McBarron and Hooks/Kathka each won their first round matches. Hooks also won her first round singles match.

ITA Awards