Dec. 10, 2001

* Photo Gallery!

LOS ANGELES - This fall, members of the UCLA Athletics coaching staff visited Team Prime Time, a non-profit after school program that strives to teach students the importance of athletics and the lessons that can be learned from the athletic arena. The program focuses on sports that children can play in high school in order to increase their desire to remain in school.

On October 24, Head Women's Soccer Coach Jillian Ellis and Senior team member Mary Frances Monroe shared soccer secrets and ran participants through a series of drills. Coach Ellis commented, "It was a lot of fun and the kids really listened and responded to what we had to say. Mary Frances and I both enjoyed the time we spent with them."

On November 13, Assistant Men's Volleyball Coach John Speraw and team members Scott Morrow and Adam Schrader visited the program and demonstrated various volleyball skills. "We had a great time," said Coach Speraw. "The kids were very attentive and curious, and they asked a lot of really great questions. Many of them have set solid goals for themselves and are already thinking of ways to achieve that level of success. I was very impressed with their questions and insight into their own futures."

Peter Straus, Executive Director of the program, was also very pleased with both visits. "The Team Prime Time after-school program has benefited greatly from our relationship with the UCLA coaching staff and student-athletes. They have inspired our students with their positive messages and provided them with tangible tools to succeed in school, sports and in life. I am very encouraged by the results I see in our students and I am looking forward to more visits from UCLA coaches and student-athletes after the new year."