Akli Named to SEC Community Service Team

Columbia, S.C. – ­South Carolina women’s tennis senior Ayana Akli has been named to the SEC Community Service Team, the league announced on Thursday. The Community Service Team was created as an effort to recognize the accomplishments of student-athletes beyond the field of competition.

Akli has led her team in community service hours this season and has served the local population through a multitude of different events. During the fall semester, Akli donated items to local elementary schools, assisted with games and activities at the Junior Gamecock Club Halloween Party and helped with event set up at the Columbia Urban League Young Professionals Equal Opportunity Event.

Akli continued her community service efforts during the spring, helping sort donations during the Week of Giving drive and writing Valentines cards to the children at the Prisma Health hospital. Additionally, Akli participates in Sandstorm Buddies, a program where South Carolina student-athletes read to children at the Prisma Health hospital. She also participated in a firetruck pull to benefit Curing Kids Cancer and often goes to local schools in the Columbia community to read with kids.

In addition to Akli’s athletics, academics, and community service, she also is a member of the National Society of Black Engineers, is a Civil Engineering mentor, and serves as the social and events chair for the Society of Women’s Engineers.

Akli and the rest of the women’s tennis team will conclude the regular season this weekend on the road, making a stop at No. 15 Auburn on Friday before concluding the regular season at No. 61 Alabama on Sunday.

For all the latest South Carolina women’s tennis information, continue to follow GamecocksOnline.com or the team on social media (@GamecockWTennis).