St. John's University Athletics
St. John's Softball Puts Service Before Selves
12/3/2008 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Dec. 3, 2008
QUEENS, N.Y. - The St. John's softball team, whose name has become synonymous with community service, continued in the tradition of the Vincentian mission by participating in five service outings this fall.
"The really nice thing about all the teams that I have coached at St. John's is that they thoroughly enjoy and seek out as many opportunities as possible that assist the community," said head coach Amy Kvilhaug. "The team always embraces the Vincentian mission of the University and actually requested more ideas for ways to serve others throughout the year in order to have a greater impact on the community."
The Red Storm made its annual trip to the St. Mary's Children's Hospital on Halloween, dressing up for the occasion. The team spent the afternoon playing games and reading to many of the kids.
 | "Seeing the appreciation of those who need help the most is very rewarding." - Senior Alyssa Clark |
The team had a very busy day on Nov. 18, when it visited a local soup kitchen at St. Gerard Majella Church. That same day, the squad went to the Queensboro SDA shelter to help serve dinner, make up beds and wrap Christmas presents. The Red Storm returned to the soup kitchen again on Nov. 21, spending another evening with those in need.
Today the St. John's softball team will travel to the Ronald McDonald House and spend the afternoon cooking and serving dinner for many of the children and families there.
"This has been a great experience for me and my teammates," said senior outfielder Alyssa Clark. "Seeing the appreciation of those who need help the most is very rewarding. It is great for us to get out and be in the community to see and help those around us."
The team is also participating in an on-going community project in which the student-athletes visit local seniors that have no family and help them clean, take them food shopping, spend time with them talking, playing games and assisting them with anything else they may need.
The Red Storm begins its 2009 season at the FIU Tournament in Miami, Fla. on Feb. 13-15. St. John's will face off against FIU, Temple, Florida Gulf Coast, Michigan State and Georgetown.
If you would like to receive the most up-to-date information on the 2008-09 St. John's softball team, please send your e-mail address to michael.gambardella03@stjohns.edu.
