California State University Northridge Athletics
CSUN Tennis Gives Back at Sylmar Community Play Day
11/8/2023 11:03:00 AM | Women's Tennis
NORTHRIDGE, Calif.---The CSUN Women's Tennis team partnered with the Neighborhood Junior Tennis Program (NJTP) to host a free Community Play Day this past Saturday at El Cariso Park in Sylmar, Calif.
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The Matadors met over 75 children of all ages as well as adults at the event and helped run clinics and hitting sessions. The team also had the opportunity to visit with guests and share their college experiences to the over six dozen attendees.
"Sharing the courts with these wonderful kids was so much fun," said head coach Gary Victor. "Having our student-athletes help provide a roadmap for healthy choices, discipline and camaraderie is a beautiful responsibility. The good vibes were plentiful. We had a great experience, and I couldn't be prouder of this team for who they are."
For members of the CSUN team, the event was an amazing opportunity to share their passion for tennis with a large group of junior students. The team also had an outlet to provide valuable knowledge about the student-athlete experience in college to youth from diverse backgrounds.
"Volunteering at the Sylmar Community Play Day was an amazing experience because we were able to connect with our local community through tennis," said graduate Sasha Turchak. "The turnout was amazing, and I met so many awesome kids and adults. It's great to be able to have events like these to make tennis more accessible for people of all different backgrounds."
The team also relished the opportunity to provide valuable mentorship and guidance to those interested in furthering their careers in tennis at the collegiate level in the future.
"Giving back to the community is one of my passions and being able to have an impact on the kids there was truly amazing," said sophomore Angela Ho. "It was really great to see how lively and enthusiastic the players were. It was clear that they loved tennis and wanted to be there.
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"Additionally, I loved seeing all the young women and girls wanting to further their tennis careers," added Ho. "It motivates me to be a role model for the next generation of players."
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The NJTP is a non-profit organization located in the Northeast San Fernando Valley and holds weekly fall and spring sessions and services families throughout the San Fernando Valley and surrounding areas. The organization is operated by President Philip Siordia, a Matador alum and former CSUN men's tennis player.
The Siordia family has a further connection to CSUN as Siordia's daughter Natalie is a former student-athlete with the women's tennis team.
#GoMatadors
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The Matadors met over 75 children of all ages as well as adults at the event and helped run clinics and hitting sessions. The team also had the opportunity to visit with guests and share their college experiences to the over six dozen attendees.
"Sharing the courts with these wonderful kids was so much fun," said head coach Gary Victor. "Having our student-athletes help provide a roadmap for healthy choices, discipline and camaraderie is a beautiful responsibility. The good vibes were plentiful. We had a great experience, and I couldn't be prouder of this team for who they are."
For members of the CSUN team, the event was an amazing opportunity to share their passion for tennis with a large group of junior students. The team also had an outlet to provide valuable knowledge about the student-athlete experience in college to youth from diverse backgrounds.
"Volunteering at the Sylmar Community Play Day was an amazing experience because we were able to connect with our local community through tennis," said graduate Sasha Turchak. "The turnout was amazing, and I met so many awesome kids and adults. It's great to be able to have events like these to make tennis more accessible for people of all different backgrounds."
The team also relished the opportunity to provide valuable mentorship and guidance to those interested in furthering their careers in tennis at the collegiate level in the future.
"Giving back to the community is one of my passions and being able to have an impact on the kids there was truly amazing," said sophomore Angela Ho. "It was really great to see how lively and enthusiastic the players were. It was clear that they loved tennis and wanted to be there.
Â
"Additionally, I loved seeing all the young women and girls wanting to further their tennis careers," added Ho. "It motivates me to be a role model for the next generation of players."
Â
The NJTP is a non-profit organization located in the Northeast San Fernando Valley and holds weekly fall and spring sessions and services families throughout the San Fernando Valley and surrounding areas. The organization is operated by President Philip Siordia, a Matador alum and former CSUN men's tennis player.
The Siordia family has a further connection to CSUN as Siordia's daughter Natalie is a former student-athlete with the women's tennis team.
#GoMatadors
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Players Mentioned
/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
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