March 9, 2012

HARTSVILLE, S.C. – March 9, 2012 – Coker College is set to host a special event to raise breast cancer awareness. The Coker women’s tennis team will take on the University of Montevallo at 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 21 at the tennis courts. It will be a women’s only match and is sponsored by Tennis Against Breast Cancer (TABC).

“This event will allow the Coker and Montevallo women’stennis teams to use their tennis skills to help support breast cancer,” Coker head coach Tom Simpson said. “I hope by using the platform of women’s collegiate tennis, othe rs too will gain in the awareness of this cancer. We hope our teams can be an encouragement to anyone who faced this disease.”

Simpson will host a tennis clinic for women of all ages from 1 to 2:30 p.m. before the match.  Giveaways for corporate sponsors and attendees will ensure increased awareness and funds for the battle against breast cancer. TABC has provided hats, wristbands, strings, balls and grips, colored pink for the cure, to give away as prizes at the event.

“Tennis Against Breast Cancer is proud to sponsor the match between Coker College and the University of Montevallo,” said TABC founder and executive director Maureen Rankine. “Through events like this, we continue to spread the word about this disease that claims the lives of one in every nine women. Good luck to the participants, and have fun!”

Additionally, Coker College dining services will provide pink lemonade and pink cookies for all guests at the match.

Tennis Against Breast Cancer (TABC) was founded in 1996 by Maureen “Mo” Rankine and has put breast cancer awareness at Centre Court for the past 16 years. TABC raises funds in support of breast cancer education, early detection and research. The organization believes tennis can be a beneficial coping mechanism for breast cancer patients, survivors and families.

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Coker College readies undergraduates for personal and professional success through a distinctive four-year program that emphasizes a practical application of the liberal arts as well as hands-on and discussion-based learning within and beyond the classroom. Coker is ranked among the “Best Colleges” in the South by U.S. News & World Report as well as The Princeton Review. Located in Hartsville, S.C., Coker is within two hours of the cultural, financial and recreational resources of Charlotte, Columbia, Charleston and Myrtle Beach.

For more information, contact Chris Dougherty, Manager of Athletics Media Relations, at 843-383-8018 or cdougherty@coker.edu.