DENTON, Texas (1/10/08) The Mean Green tennis team held a clinic at Mildred M. Hawk Elementary School on Thursday afternoon.

“It’s all about giving back to the community,” said head coach Sujay Lama. “I think the kids enjoyed it and our players got a lot out of it. The whole idea is really to give back to the kids and the community.”

Lots of yelling and screaming could be heard from the children of Hawk Elementary as the team arrived at the school. In an effort to give back to the community, the North Texas tennis team spent an afternoon demonstrating skills and drills.

Each player paired up to practice their swings, while each section of students cheered for a different set of players. Madura Ranganathan and Rachel Wilhelm demonstrated how tennis is scored. A short match was played where Wilhelm served a 1-0 victory over Ranganathan.

Hawk Elementary students were given tennis balls and some even showed special talents of their own to earn a t-shirt or cup. The student-athletes then gave every student a high-five on the way out the door.

“It was great to be able to speak to the kids and maybe encourage them to get into tennis,” said junior Sammie Moreton.

North Texas tennis will return for their first match of the season on January 25 when the Mean Green will take on Stephen F. Austin.