Nearly 1,000 student-athletes from teams across the country descended on Seattle for the Division II National Championships Festival, with many athletes volunteering their time to give back to the community.
The event's community engagement activities have become a signature element over the years, providing opportunities for area youth to learn more about college sports and student-athletes the chance to connect deeper with an event that represents a pinnacle of their college athletics experience.Â
"It's about building relationships with the city of Seattle and inviting them back into our championships," NCAA Vice President of Division II Terri Steeb Gronau said. "We do this at every championship, not just festivals, because it's such an important part of the Division II experience. At the festival, it's especially poignant, with so many athletes and teams in one city. These moments are about creating memories that will last a lifetime."
Wingate freshman volleyball player Maya Walker leads students through a lesson at Cascade Elementary School in Renton, Washington. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow / NCAA Photos)
Six local elementary schools received a visit from volleyball players representing Concordia-St. Paul, Missouri-St. Louis, Gannon, Barry, Cal State LA, Southern New Hampshire, West Texas A&M and Wingate. The student-athletes helped kids with assignments in the classroom and spent time at recess playing games.
"It's super fun to be a positive influence in people's lives," Wingate graduate student Victoria Wilform said. "It's a big thing. We all started our sport young, so it's important to show that you can start at any age and be successful no matter where you come from."
The time means just as much to the kids as it does to student-athletes.
"It means everything," Cascade Elementary School Assistant Principal Tim Talmadge said. "We talk about equity, inclusion, opportunities for our community to engage in other ways outside of these walls. It means everything to some of these students who wouldn't otherwise have that opportunity."
Franklin Pierce graduate student soccer player Miguel Angel Pastor Gutierrez preps kids at Rainier Vista Boys & Girls Club for their next competition. (Photo by Andy Nelson / NCAA Photos)
Men's soccer teams from Barry, Franklin Pierce, Colorado State University Pueblo and Lake Erie and women's soccer teams from West Chester, Ferris State, Columbus State and Western Washington took kids through drills at three elementary schools and three Boys & Girls Clubs around the Seattle area.
Western Washington junior Payton Neal was no stranger to the Rainier Vista Boys & Girls Club, having volunteered there many times growing up and now returning as a student-athlete on the precipice of the biggest moment in her college career.
"It's nice being back and seeing the kids again," Neal said. "When I noticed we were coming here, I was super excited and texted my parents. It's awesome seeing everyone again."
The NCAA also donated 40 laptops to the Boys & Girls Clubs of King County, the third time Division II has donated computers as part of its community engagement efforts.
"We're always excited to have volunteers, but today is special," said Patrick Carter, area director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of King County. "It's an opportunity for the kids to hear that they can go on to play sports in college and get a higher education degree, as well."
Field hockey athletes from Assumption, West Chester, Shippensburg and East Stroudsburg visited three local elementary schools, leading the students through drills and fun competitions. The Division II Women's Volleyball Committee also volunteered at an assisted living community, playing games with residents and sharing giveaways.
