TEMPE, Ariz. – The Cleveland State women's tennis team was honored for its efforts in the local community last weekend, as the Vikings earned the ITA Midwest Regional Community Service Award.

COMPLETE 2019 ITA NCAA DIVISION I REGIONAL AWARDS LIST

Throughout the 2018-19 academic year the Vikings participated in a multitude of community service initiatives, including Elementary Mentorship, Trick-or-Treat at the MMTP, Adopt-A-Family, and Children's Hospital visits. 

"It's always good to reach out and give back to the community, you can learn so much when you immerse yourself in your local community and interact with those around you," head coach Frank Polito said. "The entire team really enjoys working in the community, especially when they get the chance to impact the lives of local youth."

As part of the Elementary Mentorship program, the Vikings spent time at a local school throughout the year reading to kids and tutoring them in a variety of subjects.

The team co-hosted the annual Trick-or-Treat at the MMTP with the CSU men's tennis team, providing a safe trick-or-treat alternative for local area youth.

The Vikings also participated in the athletic department's Adopt-A-Family initiative, partnering with the men's basketball team to raise money and collect gifts to provide a memorable holiday for a local family in need.

The team's Children's Hospital visits throughout the year were spearheaded by senior Isabella Spindler, who spent time serving as the Cleveland State Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Community Service vice chair.

"The impact that we can have on the local Cleveland community is great, but the impact that those in the area have on us in return is amazing," Polito said.