Athletes reach out to area youth

Sports programs that promote self-esteem also expose youngsters to the dreams of a college degree.

Kris Simpson

Athletes reach out to area youth

By Trisha Turner

IUPUI coaches honored for service

When the games begin, Debbie Peirick and Kris Simpson spend their time on the sidelines. But when it comes to community, the sidelines hold no appeal for the two IUPUI head coaches.

For years, Peirick, head coach of the IUPUI women's tennis team, and Simpson, coach of the Jaguars' women's basketball team, have given Indianapolis area youth a chance to spend time with IUPUI athletes, enjoy the university's athletic facilities, and take part in sports-related programs that promote self-esteem, expose the youngsters to the positive effects of athletics and encourage them to dream of getting a college degree.

Both were honored this year for those ongoing public service efforts.

Peirick was one of 10 men and women to win Collegiate Community Service Awards from the United States Tennis Association. The USTA honor is based upon volunteer involvement with USTA or community service programs.

The IUPUI coach works tirelessly with local tennis organizations to stage campus clinics and other campus-based activities for young people in city schools. She also has routinely volunteered her services to run local tennis tournaments and other activities that give opportunities to participate to Indianapolis residents often left out of such programs.

Simpson was one of two dozen men and women to receive an "Unsung Hero Award," given annually by the Marion County Commission on Youth for work with young people. The IUPUI basketball coach was nominated by the YWCA for her efforts on behalf of the organization's programs for girls and boys.