USF Athletics

Bulls Gain Inspiration From New, Courageous 10-Year-Old Teammate

March 22, 2018

SIGNING CEREMONY PHOTO GALLERY


By TOM ZEBOLD
USF Senior Writer

TAMPA, MARCH 22, 2018 – USF women's tennis is winning on and off the court after welcoming a courageous, new teammate into the Bulls family.

Before extending its winning streak to seven matches, USF held a special signing ceremony for 10-year-old Elizabeth Jones, who joined the Bulls as an honorary member last Thursday.

"We're hoping she'll be an inspiration for us," head coach Cristina Moros said. "Community service is a big part of our program as well. The fact that we can hopefully make a big difference in her life is everything."

Moros' student-athletes said they gained instant inspiration by getting to know Elizabeth, who continues to valiantly battle a chronic illness. Elizabeth was chosen by Team IMPACT, a national nonprofit, and paired with the Bulls, who found the perfect addition for their run to the postseason.

"She's really a lovely girl," said sophomore Janvhi Clark. "She was really shy in the beginning, but once we started talking to her a lot, she really opened up. She's incredible with just what she's been through so far."

Elizabeth went from being the guest of honor to a key part of the program during her magical, first afternoon as an official Bull. Elizabeth's signing ceremony took place at the Lee Roy Selmon Athletic Center with several members of the program in attendance, including Director of Athletics Mark Harlan.

"I think it's going have a great impact on us," said junior Vanja Klaric. "We're obviously going to gain a lot of perspective from being around her. I think that's really going to impact us as a team in a really positive way."

In fitting USF fashion, the Bulls showed great appreciation for their new teammate by giving Elizabeth her own locker, a V.I.P. pass and official USF gear to wear at any practice or match she wants to attend.

"It's incredible to always see a smile on her face," said junior Ana Roman Dominguez. "It's just going to motivate us even more to have a 10-year-old on our team that fights every single day. We basically have no excuses to not give everything out there."

USF did just that the day after Elizabeth's signing ceremony by defeating conference foe Houston, 4-2, at home. Moros' Bulls capped off their perfect week last Sunday with another 4-2 home victory over North Florida, which extended the program's streak to seven.

No matter the outcome on the court the rest of the spring, USF already has scored a big win in life by forming a bond with Elizabeth that will grow well beyond the season.

"We have a teammate now who fights every day for just the things that we simply take for granted in life," Moros said. "We're hoping we can be a voice for her and be able to fight for her out on the court."

About Team IMPACT
Team IMPACT connects children facing serious and chronic illnesses with local college athletic programs across the country.

The national nonprofit selects children ages 5-15 and pairs them with college programs located close to where the child is being treated. That allows the family to conveniently get to campus in addition to student-athletes getting to do fun off-campus activities with the child.

It is typical for each relationship to last two to three years, but as each child is different, the timing of graduation varies for each relationship. Learn more about Team IMPACT and read amazing family testimonials at the organization's official website GoTeamIMPACT.org.
 
More About USF Women's Tennis
Be sure to follow USF women's tennis on social media (Twitter / Facebook / Instagram) and visit GoUSFBulls.com for the most up-to-date information. Head coach Cristina Moros is in her third year at the helm of the program after leading the Bulls to an American Athletic Conference Championship title in 2017.