May 10, 2007

DALLAS (SMU) - The SMU women's tennis team hosted its first annual "Play with the Ponies" Clinic on Tues., May 1. This community outreach event was hosted by SMU and the Garland Tennis Center.

"This program was designed for two reasons. First to promote the game of tennis to children who may not have the exposure and second to allow our players the opportunity to give back and show gratitude to a community that has been so supportive to our team this year," said head coach Lauren Longbotham.

The Mustangs hosted several children from first to eighth grade in a free two hour clinic at the courts. The team and coaches went through drills and point plays with the groups and also gave insight into college tennis.

"We chose Garland as our site host because of their amazing hospitality that they gave us this spring while our tennis facility is under construction," Longbotham continued. "They have been wonderful and we wanted to give something back to the city of Garland.

It is important to me that these girls not only grow and develop as tennis players but off the courts as well. This program focuses on gratitude and teaches the girls know how to be good role models to younger kids. It was a great experience that we plan to continue for years to come."