CHARLESTON, S.C. - The Family Circle Cup Community Outreach program is all about making a difference in the community. In 2002, the tournament started a scholarship grant at the College of Charleston for outstanding female student-athletes who excel both on and off the playing field. Every year $5,000 is donated to a well-rounded student whose accomplishments include giving back to the community. The scholarship winner is selected based on a number of criteria including academic accomplishment, volunteerism/community involvement, financial need, and athletic accolades.
This year's winner is junior Mary Zolga (Raynham, Mass./Bridgewater-Rayhnham), a Business Administration major and member of the College of Charleston's women's track & field team. In addition to the $5,000 grant, Zolga will have an opportunity to meet a world-class tennis player competing in the Family Circle Cup.
"I am very grateful for the Family Circle Cup's generosity," Zolga said. "It is a true honor to receive this grant and to represent the College of Charleston. These funds will greatly buffer my educational expenses as I finish my academic and athletic career as a Cougar."
Each scholarship applicant was asked to write a short essay on what makes her a good candidate for this scholarship. Through her letter, Zolga conveyed that she is as ambitious about education and volunteerism as she is about her athletics. She also expressed her love for the Charleston campus and how proud she is to call herself a Cougar.
Pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a minor in Marketing, Zolga holds a 3.43 GPA and is a two-time Southern Conference Academic All-Conference honoree and two-time Student-Athlete of the Week (2009, 2010). As a middle distance runner on the Cougar track and field squad, she was the track & field MVP in 2008 and 2009, and holds the individual school record in the 400 meters, which she set at the 2008 Southern Conference Indoor Championships.
Passionate about volunteerism and her community, Zolga has already completed over 200 hours of volunteer service throughout the Charleston area. She contributed 100 hours to Bingo for Books, an elementary school book program, as well as extensive service with the College of Charleston's Maroon Mayhem program, Relay for Life, St. Thomas Food Bank, Mount Pleasant Track & Field Clinic, and Family Fun Run. In addition to volunteering and performing well in the classroom and on the track, Zolga works part-time as a waitress at Juanita Greenberg's Nacho Royale, a Mexican restaurant, in downtown Charleston.
"When we started this scholarship nine years ago, we wanted to honor a female student-athlete who exemplified commitment to her education, athletics, and community," Family Circle Cup Tournament Manager Eleanor Adams said. "This scholarship lets us recognize and celebrate Mary's remarkable achievements at the College of Charleston. We applaud Mary for her success and wish her the best of luck throughout the rest of her collegiate and professional career."
The Family Circle Cup will be held on April 10-18, 2010 at the Family Circle Tennis Center in Charleston, S.C. The Family Circle Tennis Center is a public facility, owned by the City of Charleston and operated by Meredith Corporation that also hosts a variety of additional events including concerts, festivals, tennis tournaments and other activities throughout the year. With over 21 million readers, Family Circle is one of the most widely read monthly magazines in America and is one of 14 leading subscription magazines owned by Meredith Corporation. The Tennis Center features a 10,200-seat stadium, Grand Lawn, 17 tennis courts lighted for night play, racquet club and Pro Shop. For tickets or more info on the Family Circle Cup or Tennis Center, call (843) 856-7900 or visit familycirclecup.com.
