Student-Athletes Give Back on Bobcats Day of Service
10/11/2024 11:26:00 AM | General, Student Services, Wellness, Bobcat Club
45 MSU student-athletes traveled to three local elementary schools on Tuesday to engage with students and make a positive impact
BOZEMAN, Mont. -- Montana State student-athletes had the opportunity to support local elementary schools earlier this week, participating in a Bobcats Day of Service as part of an effort to give back to the Bozeman community.
Around 45 student-athletes headed out from campus to Morning Star Elementary, Longfellow Elementary, and Monforton School on Tuesday to read books, play flag football, and speak with kids about what it takes to be a student-athlete at Montana State University.
"Schools love having our student-athletes come to classes," said Caitlyn Jordan, Athletic Academic Coordinator for Student Athlete Affairs. "Whether reading or just playing at recess, the mood changes with the kids. They get excited to have this athlete who looks larger than life throw a football around with them. The student-athletes become human, and the kid gets to say 'I met them, I know them.' There is something special about knowing the person you watch on TV."
Representatives from nearly every Bobcat athletic team were able to take part.
"The Bobcats Day of Service was a meaningful experience where we had the opportunity to engage with the young students and make a positive impact on their school environment," MSU golfer Lauren Greeny said. "Volunteering at the schools not only allowed us to give back but also to connect with the community that supports us throughout the year. I think days like this strengthens the bond that the community and the athletic department have."
The idea for the service day arose from a partnership between Jordan and Bobcat football alumni Eric Fisher, who is also one of the principals at Monforton.
"The Bozeman Community supports Montana State Athletics day in and day out," Jordan said. "When student-athletes spend time with community members, it is just a small way for them to say thank you. This shows kids in Bozeman that the teams they watch also see them and want to spend time with them. This allows our student-athletes to give back and form bonds and connections with the kids, teachers, and community. They know what it is like to have a role model, and just by showing up, they can be one."
Plans are already in place for another Bobcats Day in Service for January, with the goal to have a set day each semester to get a large group of Montana State student-athletes into the community.
"The kids were so excited for us to be there, and I was excited to be able to give back to the community that supports us so much," said MSU track and field athlete Gracey Carter. "The kids didn't even know who I was, but were just excited that a Bobcat athlete was there, and that is a major part of why I am proud to be a part of Bobcat athletics, and even more proud of the community that supports us. With that kind of support, it means a lot that I am able to give back to them in some way."
#GoCatsGo
