CHICAGO, Ill. – The Chicago State men's tennis team recently teamed up with
Love To Serve, Inc. Tennis and Education Foundation (LTS) and
Healing Arts Chicago Artist's, an initiative led by the
Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) and the
Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), for a community event focused on promoting youth mental health and wellness through art and sport.
Held on
Saturday, October 4, at
Wendell Green Elementary School on Chicago's South Side, the event brought together Love To Serve program participants, Wendell Green student-athletes, and members of the Chicago State men's tennis team for a creative and interactive afternoon centered around mindfulness, teamwork, and expression.
Cougar student-athletes served as mentors and role models throughout the day, helping guide participants through two engaging activities — a
guided sound meditation titled
"The Rhythm Before the Serve" and an
art experience called
"Serve Up Some Color – Tennis Balls in Motion." Participants dipped tennis balls in paint and served or tossed them against a canvas, creating a colorful mural that captured the rhythm, movement, and energy of tennis.
"This collaboration beautifully reflects our mission at Love To Serve—to break down barriers, nurture potential, and provide safe, supportive environments where young people thrive," said
Lori James, Executive Director of Love To Serve, Inc. "By partnering with Healing Arts Chicago Artist's and the Chicago State men's tennis team, we're showing our youth that art and sport are not only powerful on their own, but transformational when combined."
The event continued Chicago State's ongoing commitment to community engagement, allowing student-athletes to give back and connect with local youth through sport, mentorship, and creative expression.
Event Partners: Love To Serve, Healing Arts Chicago Artist's, Chicago State Men's Tennis, Wendell Green Elementary
Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025
Location: Wendell Green Elementary School – 1150 W. 96th Street, Chicago, Ill.
