Hogs pay visit to Arkansas Childrens Hospital

FAYETTEVILLE — A handful of players from the Arkansas men’s tennis team took a break from the tennis courts to visit some special children at Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock on Monday afternoon. The visit was planned by Captain seniorTaylor King, a former patient and now survivor of Wegner’s granulomatosis, due to the excellent care he had received there and wanted a chance to give back.

“It was really special going back to a place that took the time to see me,” King said. “ I feel blessed to be able to show my support and lift the kids’ spirits. It was especially nice to share my story with a girl fighting the same battle as me and be able to reassure her and her family that she can get back on her feet.”

Junior Matthew Hogan and sophomore Matt Walters joined King on the visit and spent time playing games and interacting with young patients.

“I loved every minute of it,” Hogan said. “My favorite part was playing video games and being able to put smiles on the kids’ faces.”

During their visit, the student-athletes signed autographs, posed for pictures and played games in the play area. The players said it was a great experience to lift the spirit of others going through a tough time. The patients and their families were very appreciated of the players taking the time to come by and visit. Melissa Wolfe, assistant director of volunteer services, expressed the hospital’s gratitude towards the University of Arkansas and their student-athletes.

“It was a great turnout and they had a great time in the play area, “ Wolfe said. “ We are so thankful to the University of Arkansas and their student athletes for continuing a relationship with us and giving back to the community.”

“It was a great experience, “ Walters said. “We had a great time hanging out with the kids and making a difference in the community. We are very privileged to do what we do and it feels good to be able to give back.”

Arkansas will return to tennis action on Tuesday for a doubleheader at the Michael D. Case Center in Tulsa, Okla. The Hogs first matchup will be against Tulsa at noon, before returning to play Oral Roberts at 5 p.m.

For complete results on Arkansas men’s tennis visit: ArkansasRazorbacks.com.