Bobby Martinez – Sports Writer
NEW HAVEN — Both soccer teams for Southern Connecticut State University visited John C. Daniels Interdistrict Magnet School of International Communications recently as part as their community service work.
“It’s very important to give back to the community,” said junior goalkeeper Stephen Sasso. “Therefore it is very important for athletes to be active in the community because it kind of sets a good example for younger kids who want to be athletes. Also, when they grow up they can say they had college athletes helping them become better players.”
As part of their community service, both of the Owls soccer teams conducted numerous activities such as passing drills, running around with the ball, how to dribble, relay races and they concluded with a regular soccer scrimmage.
Tim Greer Insurance Agency, Inc. has managed to build a program that provided student-athletes with the opportunity to interact with the community. Since 2007, the Owls program has worked over 20,000 community service hours at the university’s campus and also in the greater New Haven area.
Teams such as the woman lacrosse team had been awarded winner of the inaugural Tim Greer Insurance Agency, Inc. Community Service Cup at the annual Senior Athletic Awards. In 2010, the women’s field hockey took home the award followed by the women’s basketball team in 2011. In 2012, the men’s baseball team received the award followed by the gymnastics team in 2013.
Even though the community service aspect of sports has been evolving each year, there had been certain individuals who have be awarded an award due to their hard work in the community. In recent years, players such as Paige Donlin of the women’s field hockey team, was recognized as an inaugural winner due to her efforts in the community for the 10-11 academic year. For the following academic year, women’s basketball player Alex Fiola had been awarded winner due to her productive work in the community.
In order for a team to win an award, they must have the most points by the end of the season by meeting certain qualifications. Teams must participate in a community service event whether it’s on or off campus, host pre- or post-game clinics and participation in other campus events.
Sasso said he is glad that he has been able to be a part of numerous community services such as John C. Daniels Interdistrict Magnet School of International Communications because he enjoys helping people out who love the game of soccer.
“It’s was a great experience because we were helping out younger kids,” he said, “who enjoy the game of soccer and were able to lay with other classmates after school. They got the chance to have fun and fool around and have a good time as well.”
For the 12-13 academic school year, the entire athletic programs student-athletes have managed to calculate over 3,000 hours worth of community service. Junior point guard Tylon Smith said community service is a major part of his team’s success because he enjoys knowing that he was able to help other people out as much as he can.
“It’s been great, we really enjoy giving back to the community whenever we can,” he said. “It’s a great feeling to impact those who look up to you so it’s a huge part of our season.”
Sophomore power forward Stefon Williams said it’s important to express thanks to the community because they are the ones who support them each game in the stands every time they touch the court to play a game.
“It’s very important because it’s good to help others and show that we care about the community and support them as well. It also gains more support for our teams as well.”
Sophomore center Lucas Van Nes said community service is an important task to do because the little kids look up to athletes and it’s a good feeling when you can have an effect on them.
“Well it’s very important for us to give back to the community because there are a lot of people supporting us behind the scenes,” he said. “Therefore we need to show them our appreciation and also if we can make kids fans that’s even better. We have expanded our fan base and gained more support at the same time in helping others out.”
