Cougar Tennis Teams Host Special Clinic

Mt. Pleasant, S.C. -- Members of the College of Charleston’s tennis teams, led by women’s captain Amanda Becker, held a clinic for 15 athletes participating in the Unified Sports program of the Special Olympics Tues., Nov. 27, at the Tennis Center at Patriots Point. 

“The clinic was fantastic,” Becker said.  “It was such a rewarding experience for everyone.”

Special Olympics Unified Sports is an initiative that partners Special Olympics athletes with athletes without intellectual disabilities on sports teams for training and competition.  The program offers sports throughout the year ranging from basketball to golf to figure skating. 

Becker, a senior from Lakeville, Pa., discovered Unified Sports when she was looking for a way to serve the Charleston community and set an example for her teammates.  As an instructor, she partners with an athlete every Tuesday at the Charleston Tennis Center in West Ashley, where athletes and their partners go through warm-ups and practice in an effort to reach the Special Olympic State Games.

Chelsea Albertz, Link Leskosky, Kinsey Casey and Emily Dyar of the women’s team joined Becker, while Stephen Myers and Rich and Will Bailey represented the men’s squad.  Coaches Angelo Anastopoulo, Jay Bruner and Billy Boykin participated in what Becker described as a “wonderful time.” 

CofC’s student-athletes took their charges through warm-ups, relay races and drills to work on basic tennis skills.  At the end of the evening, the athletes received prizes of tennis bags, t-shirts and tennis strings for their good performance and effort. 

The team hopes to hold another clinic during the spring semester.