This court also happened to be the place where, soon after arriving, the team was treated to an hour-long hitting session sponsored by Babolat. Over the course of 60 lively minutes, team members smacked groundstrokes and volleys.
“The tennis court has always been home for me,” said Reese Trepanier, a senior on the team whose family lost their home. “Tennis has definitely been grounding and a source of support for so many of us.”
Following time on the court, Babolat presented the team with racquets, shoes, strings, and bags.
“Knowing all that happened in L.A., we thought it would be good to share our passion for the game and do something special for them,” said Laurent Van Hoestenberghe, Babolat clients relations officer.
But that was hardly the end of Pali’s excellent Indian Wells adventure. The WTA Foundation, in partnership with Hall of Famer Gigi Fernandez’s new non-profit, Tennis for Hope, gave the team a $10,000 donation. There was also a group photo opportunity with Australian Open champion Madison Keys, time with two-time BNP Paribas Open finalist Maria Sakkari, and several hours spent watching the tennis.
