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

COMPLETE 2023 ITA NCAA DIVISION I REGIONAL AWARDS LIST

Throughout the 2022-23 academic year the Vikings participated in a multitude of community service initiatives, including working with Advantage Cleveland to introduce the sport of tennis to local area youth. 

"The team really enjoyed working with Advantage Cleveland and specifically the middle school program," head coach Brian Etzkin said. "It was very rewarding to see kids who haven't been exposed to tennis begin to develop a love for the game and learn some tennis skills. I hope the kids benefitted from the experience and opportunities half as much as we did!"

Through Advantage Cleveland, the Vikings tried to build tennis numbers and enthusiasm for the sport with middle school age children from inner city Cleveland. Currently, there are only four high schools that field tennis teams in the downtown Cleveland area, so through working with Advantage Cleveland, the Vikings are trying to grow the game in the community and provide opportunities to play tennis as children progress through school. 

In addition, the Vikings were also involved with Cleveland State Athletic Department initiatives throughout the year like Adopt-A-Family and LiftUp! Vikes food drives that benefitted the on-campus resource center.