March 1, 2005

WACO, Texas - Darrell Thompson, USTA Community Outreach Coordinator at Waco Regional Tennis Center and Baylor Human Performance tennis professor, women's tennis head coach Joey Scrivano and women's tennis athlete Iva Mihaylova taught third grade children from First Woodway Christian School tennis fundamentals before the Lady Bears' home match against Florida International Friday.

Rachel Scrivano, third grade teacher at First Woodway and wife of Joey Scrivano, brought over 50 students to take part in the clinic.

"This is our second year to participate and the kids enjoy coming to Baylor," she said.

Thompson asked his Baylor tennis students to help with the clinic. He showed the children basic tennis drills, including how to hit volleys.

"This is a great way to bring the Waco and Baylor communities together," he said.

There were several contests that encouraged the children to win prizes, including Baylor tennis hats and T-shirts. The first contest was a competition to determine which set of partners could keep the ball going the longest without hitting the ground. One partner threw the ball and the other partner hit the ball back. The students enjoyed partnering up with Baylor tennis athletes, coaches, and other Baylor students.

Head coach Joey Scrivano said, "Tennis is such a large part of my life and it's important to grow the sport by introducing it to children."

The clinic was a success. Afterwards, the children stayed and watched Baylor beat Florida International 7-0.

The tennis clinic is just one example of how Baylor and the Waco Regional Tennis Center have united to give back to the Waco community. For more information, contact Baylor Athletic Community Relations at 710-3073.