Cardenas Rifka Named To 2024 SEC Tennis Community Service Team

COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri tennis senior Romary Cardenas Rifka was named to the 2024 Southeastern Conference Community Service Team, announced by the league office on Thursday, April 11. Cardenas Rifka receives the honor for the second consecutive season. 

Cardenas Rifka has continued to support the Columbia, Mo. community with her time and effort, totaling 152 hours and 25 minutes of community service. Cardenas Rifka has spent most of her time with the Special Olympics and Turning Point. While there, she helps with working and running various Special Olympic sporting events such as softball, tennis, pickleball, powerlifting and basketball. Additionally, the senior has volunteered with Turning Point, Dignity and Hope for Columbians Experiencing Homelessness, and Secretaria de Educacion Publica, as well as with the Mizzou Athletics, SAAC, Columbia Public Schools, Day Dreams, Show-Me State Games, Lange Basketball Club, Soapbox Derby, Veterans Hospital, Letters Against Isolation, Boca Feliz, Granny’s House, Tiger Tuesday and the University of Missouri Children’s Hospital. The Mexico native’s humanitarian efforts reach all aspects of the community; her impact is noticed and felt by veterans, people experiencing homelessness, children, seniors and the Special Olympics.

Not only has Cardenas Rifka made a significant impact on the Columbia community and excelled in tennis, but she has also achieved academic excellence. She has graduated with a health science BHS with anthropology, psychology and wellness minors, and is set to earn an undergraduate certificate in addiction studies, multiculturalism and neuroscience. Her academic achievements are a testament to her dedication and hard work. 

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