GILBERT, Ariz. - The Cleveland State women's tennis team was honored for its efforts in the local community, as the Vikings earned the ITA Midwest Region Community Service Award.
 
"This award is a testament to the character of our student-athletes. Their willingness to give back, support others, and represent our program through service makes me incredibly proud. We are grateful to be recognized by the ITA and look forward to continuing our community service efforts," head coach Frank Polito said.
 
Throughout the 2025-26 academic year, the Vikings partnered with Advantage Cleveland, a program that introduces the sport of tennis to local youth. Each week during the season the Vikings helped with clinics, teaching and mentoring, while also hosting a Youth Day in which kids from the community were invited out to a match to cheer on the Vikings.
 
In addition, the team also participated in department-wide events such as Special Olympics and Lift Up Vikes! food drives.
 
Cleveland State senior, Ella Franz, was recognized as Cleveland State's spring nominee for the NACDA GoodWorks Team, while she also served as President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, which earned the Insight Into Academia Magazine Civic Engagement and Community Service Award.