These Kids From Kentucky Know How to “Serve”
18 & UNDER INTERMEDIATE TEAM GIVES HELPING HAND TO MULTIPLE CAUSES
By: Jennifer Pollack and Amanda Tobin/ USTA Southern

Giving back to the community is a key aspect that binds this 18 & Under Intermediate team from Louisville, KY together. The members of this team stand out on and off the court through their dedication to the game and passion for helping others. All of the players on this team attend Christian Academy and are known as the “Centurion Warriors”. For the past two summers these high school students have helped beginner tennis players learn the game at numerous tennis camps.

Not only are they willing to devote their time to helping others find a passion for tennis, but they have also served on multiple mission trips to places across the United States and world including: Honduras, Japan, Hurricane Katrina relief areas, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Georgia, West Virginia and others. In the Louisville area, the Centurions have volunteered numerous hours with Habitat for Humanity, Light the Night Walks, the Wayside Christian Mission, the Lord’s Kitchen, Right to Life fundraisers, Southeast Christian Church Easter Pageant and the Mission Kid’s Ministries.

There is one member of this team who has used her personal battle with cancer to help others who are suffering with similar ailments. Fifteen-year-old Gabrielle D'Aniello was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma at the age of ten. Fortunately, she is now in remission and makes time to speak at Leukemia and Lymphoma Society fundraiser events and volunteer at Oaklawn Rehabilitation and Green Hill Therapy.

With all of the work in the community that this team does it is a wonder that the players have time to practice their tennis game on the court. The Centurions have only been playing together for 16 months but have formed an unbreakable bond. After coming up short at the Kentucky State Championship in 2008 they were determined to continue together as a team and to reach Sectionals in 2009. During the past year they have worked on their game and proved that their dedication paid off by winning the Interscholastic High School Championships.

Amongst the celebration of their championship the Centurions received news that they were selected by USTA Kentucky’s Executive Director, Sharon Rahman, to be the ball girls and ball boys at the Rock N’ Racquets exhibition match. This event for the Andy Roddick Foundation was held to raise funds for children who are neglected, abused, or at risk for catastrophic illnesses. The match featured tennis stars Andy Roddick, Serena Williams, John Isner, Caroline Wozniacki and Wayne Bryan who emceed the event. The Centurions went back stage to meet the players, had autographs signed and also participated in some of the on the court antics.

As if being a student athlete was not demanding enough, this group of young adults has put in the extra effort to be involved in their community. Hopefully all of their hard work on the court will pay off and they can “serve” their way to victory in Mobile, AL.