NEWBURGH, N.Y. – Continuing the athletic department-wide community service project, Knights in the Community, the Mount Saint Mary College women's tennis team volunteered at the Elant Nursing Home in Newburgh on Saturday.

The Knights presented “A Day at the Spa” to the patients of the nursing home, providing massages, manicures, and facials to approximately thirty people. The Knights also enjoyed lunch with the patients and staff at Elant.

“We were immersed in their program for the day,” said head coach Lorraine Brady (Goshen, N.Y.). “My team really enjoyed the opportunity to work with the elderly and put some smiles on their faces. I think Elant was really happy to have visitors.”

Sophomore Annie Llewellyn (Brookhaven, N.Y.), a nursing major, appreciated the chance to bond with her team while interacting with the patients. Freshman Emily Gregory (Albertson, N.Y.), also a nursing major, enjoyed the chance to listen to the stories of the patients, especially the ones about their grandchildren.

Freshman Jackie Ivan (Binghamton, N.Y.), a psychology major, particularly enjoyed her time spent with 102-year old Juliet Kruszenski. The two bonded over their connection to the Binghamton area, and Kruszenski encouraged Ivan to be less cautious in her approach to the massage and facial. “I'm not made of porcelain,” quipped Kruszenski.

The team volunteered with the assistance of Heidi Williams, the Director of Recreation at Elant. Shellee Murphy and Lily Liendo were also of great help to the Knights.

Mount Saint Mary is in the midst of preparations for their first NCAA Women's Tennis Tournament. The Knights captured the Skyline Conference title during the fall, along with the automatic qualifier to the Division III National Tournament. They'll take the courts in May for the NCAAs.