VESTAL, N.Y. –Binghamton women's tennis was named the ITA Community Service Award Winner for the New England region, as announced by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association on Tuesday morning. The Bearcats best 27 other Division I programs in the region.

The women's tennis program partners with multiple nonprofit organizations that use sport as a vehicle for youth development and mentorship. One of their most impactful initiatives is Game, Set, Grow!, an annual collaborative program with Tennis Charities of Binghamton and organizations across New York State, including Kids Come First Tennis (KCTL), the NYJTL Cary Leeds Center, and 15Love. These organizations support youth in inner-city communities through mentorship, academic guidance, and athletic development.

During the Game, Set, Grow! weekend, approximately 35 middle school students travel to Binghamton University for on-court tennis sessions with varsity men's and women's teams, a welcome banquet, hands-on POP Physics activities, and a tour of the School of Management. Varsity athletes guide participants and share their own experiences preparing academically and athletically for college. Community partners play an integral role in shaping the program, ensuring that youth voice is central to the initiative.

The team also maintains an ongoing partnership with the PLAAY (Preventing Long-term Anger and Aggression in Youth) program at MacArthur Elementary. PLAAY integrates physical activity with strategies for stress reduction and coping with social and racial challenges. Team members support the program during both fall and spring semesters, leading activities, organizing equipment, and mentoring participants. Despite demanding academic and athletic schedules, the team remains consistently dedicated to PLAAY year-round. Student-athletes also take initiative to support these programs.

In the fall, women's tennis teamed up with Binghamton Women's Lacrosse and the Men's and Women's Track and Field teams for an All-Abilities Night Out with individuals with autism and developmental disabilities.
 
Members of the team also participated in the Making Strides for Breast Cancer Awareness Walk, the Michael French Memorial 5K to benefit Meals on Wheels of Western Broome County, and the 39^th annual Broome County Broome County Riverbank Clean Up.

"It can be challenging with academic and athletic schedules; however, members of our team step up to participate in these wonderful and rewarding opportunities to give back to our local communities to help others," said head coach Paul Caceres.