Sidelines

As part of the Smith Project Speaker's Bureau, which is a C.A.T.S. program that sends student-athletes out into the community, representatives from the gymnastics, track and field, and women's tennis teams were present.

Junior Monique Allegre and senior Vicky Maes, both tennis players, brightened the spirits of sick children at UMC before heading back to campus to prepare for a 2 p.m. match against Southern Cal.

Becky Bell, the former women's tennis head coach and current director of the C.A.T.S. Personal Development program, said both girls are "always willing to give their time" even if they have to compete that day.

Maes, an All-American who speaks five languages, is from Hamme, Belgium. In fact, the tennis team boasts quite an international connection. Freshman Michelle Gough hails from South Africa, where her native language is Afrikaans. She has no problem, however, communicating with Maes.

Though Dutch might not be the first language that comes to mind when one thinks of South Africa, Maes will tell you differently.

"You wouldn't think it, but Afrikaans is like a primitive form of Dutch so I can understand Michelle when she speaks her language and she can understand me when I speak mine."

Briefly

Former softball player and current assistant coach Jenny Dalton is expecting her first child this summer. The former All-American is married to Mark Hill, one of UA's strength coaches. The couple just bought a house in preparation for the arrival of the new addition to their family.

By the Numbers

40:

The number of pounds over her body weight that UA basketball player DeAngela Minter can bench press.

Though strength trainer Carla Garret says any woman who can lift her own weight is impressive, Minter, a senior guard, says she can not take the credit.

"It's all (Carla). I have nothing to do with it."