LIVINGSTON, Ala. — The University of West Alabama volleyball team took a couple of hours away from pre-season drills to interact with the children from the UWA Campus School on Friday.

The Tigers are wrapping up their first week of pre-season practices that began last Monday.  First year head coach Nathan Baker has been pleased with the first week of practices.

“We have a veteran squad this year which always helps during pre-season drills,” said Baker.  “They have responded well with the transition of a new coaching staff.  We are excited about opening the season in two weeks.”

Baker believes that community service activities are great team builders and lets the community know that they care because they are the people that will be in the stands cheering. 

“It’s nice to get to know the children in the community,” said UWA senior Teresa Clements.  “Hopefully, they will be in the stands cheering us on.”

Nancy Becker, a teacher at the UWA Campus School, was very appreciative of the UWA Volleyball team taking time away from practice to interact with the kids.

“The kids really enjoy coming over here to interact with the student-athletes, said Nancy Becker.  “They really like the one-on-one attention that they receive from the student-athletes.”

The Red and White will open the 2008 campaign on Friday, Aug. 29 against North Carolina Pembroke in Pensacola, Fla. at the Comfort Inn-vitational.  The Tigers open the home slate on Sept. 4, hosting Arkansas at Monticello.