BALTIMORE – When Jennifer Mitchell arrived on Coppin State's campus, she had no idea that she would depart as a key component in the rise of the women's tennis program. After all, Mitchell came to Coppin State as a track student-athlete.Four years later, not only has Mitchell accomplished plenty during her track career that has one year of eligibility remaining, she can also be pretty proud of her contributions to the growth of the women's tennis program. Mitchell never picked up a tennis racket until she arrived at Coppin State. Mitchell worked hard to learn the sport, develop her technique and become a student of the game."I started playing during my freshman year of college," Mitchell said. "(CSU women's track and field head coach Alecia Shields-Gadson) suggested that I try out for tennis. Plus, at the time, the team didn't have a lot of girls. I thought it was good and it was a way to get away from the stress I was dealing with while running track. Playing tennis has helped with my movements, staying flexible and active."Mitchell is the only senior on a talented women's team. She will honored for her commitment, sacrifices and leadership during a special pre-game ceremony Tuesday afternoon when the Eagles host Howard University in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) match beginning at 2:00 p.m. In addition to Mitchell, senior men's players Daniel Nino and Oleksiy Krylchuk will be recognized as well.The Coppin State women will conclude its 2014 season with matches at Morgan State on Friday and home against North Carolina A&T on Saturday."Jennifer was recruited as a track athlete," Coppin State head coachDiwani Lewis said. "I had three players on the team and I reached out to the coaches to assist me. She took interest. I taught her how to play tennis. Jennifer was a fast learner and exceeded all expectations that I had for her and started looking like a tennis player after the first two months."Mitchell conceded that in the beginning, all she wanted to do was "ace my opponents." After all, Mitchell idolized Serena Williams and that's what she did most of the time. However, under Lewis, Mitchell's game grew and techniques improved. As the Eagles talent base improved with the additions of Miranda Taylor, Ashley Milo, Katherine Chisholm, Zollisca Sunkins, and Carentxa Goede, Coppin State became a formidable foe.Even though the overall record isn't what the Eagles expected, they have a unique and fun bond that Mitchell has enjoyed being part of."It has been so much fun," Mitchell said of her tennis experience. "We've had some memorable road trips where there has been nothing but laughter and enjoyment. Of course, there's been some heartache too, but you're spending every moment with girls you view as sisters. I am going to miss my team, the relationships I built with these ladies and the team comrade."One of Mitchell's final tennis road trips was two weeks ago to the Virginia Beach area where the Eagles beat Maryland-Eastern Shore, 7-0, for their first win of the season. Mitchell contributed to the victory by teaming with Taylor at No. 1 doubles to post an 8-2 victory. It has been a memorable year for Mitchell so far as she has plenty to fill her scrapbook.Mitchell finished third in the triple jump and fifth in the long jump at the MEAC Indoor Championships in February. She also won the triple jump at the University of Maryland Indoor Invitational.As for tennis, Mitchell's career has been a thrill ride that she will never forget. Her futures plans include going to graduate school and earning a Masters degree in human resource management. She plans to follow the growth of women's tennis program as she believes the best days are ahead. Mitchell has made an impact and a difference for Coppin State on and off the tennis courts."I will miss her," Lewis said. "She's funny, nice to have around; she listens and applied what she was being taught. She's also a hard worker and always enthusiastic."