FRANCISCAN WOMEN'S TENNIS EARNS OFF-COURT VICTORY
In celebration of the AMCC's 20th Anniversary, all institutions hosting a conference championship during the 2016-17 academic year have been asked to incorporate a community service event as part of the conference championship.
October 19, 2016
In celebration of the AMCC's 20th Anniversary, all institutions hosting a conference championship during the 2016-17 academic year have been asked to incorporate a community service event as part of the conference championship.
After claiming victory in the AMCC semi-finals on Saturday, the Franciscan University women's tennis team went from the courts to the streets, volunteering their time at a semi-independent living facility on Wilkinsburg.
The facility, a designated “Safe Place”, is part of the Family Links Organization.
Assistant coach Shannon Irvin said "My heart is happy that we got to win and that we were able to volunteer.” She later commented on how important it is for the student-athletes to contribute to a cause greater than a final score.
Facility coordinator Barbara Rogers, after warmly welcoming the Franciscan University visitors through her doors, soon had the volunteers hard at work. Some helped to move filing cabinets, computers, desks and chairs from one room to another in an attempt to reorganize the space. Others were soon busy cleaning the shared kitchen, while some of the Lady Barons swept and dusted the downstairs area.
Rogers thanked Franciscan University's women's team profusely for their efforts, which also included spending time with those members of the home which were present on-site. She said that while her role in the organization is not an easy one, it proves fulfilling in a number of ways. “I just felt called to come here” she said, when speaking of the moment when she accepted her position.
The Lady Barons left after an hour and ten minutes of hard work, and the building showed visible improvements. The volunteers were gifted with warm hearts after hard work and a new appreciation for the efforts of Rogers and her staff. Irvin promised that the team would visit again, and would bring with them used shoes and clothing.
After a group photo, the women boarded their bus for home. Although the next day they would go on to win the AMCC championships, most aboard the bus would call the day’s volunteer work the weekend’s real victory.