ATHLETICS REPORT
GUILFORD ATHLETES HAVE HEART B Y D AV E WA LT E R S A N D NICOLLE HOLCOMBE
GUILFOR D COLLEGE'S QUAKER ROOTS laid the ground work for its Core Values. For its studentathletes, the pillars of community and stewardship are at the forefront of their commitment to community service throughout their time at the College. From volunteering at local elementary schools and helping relocate refugee families, to building tiny homes for the homeless and
A B OV E: MEMBERS OF GUIL FOR D'S WOMEN'S BA S K E T BA L L T E A M S P EN T T IME P L AY ING GA MES A ND S O CI A L I Z ING W I T H R ES IDEN T S AT T HE BR O OK DA L E S ENIOR L I V ING CEN T ER ; L EF T: MEMBERS OF GUIL FOR D'S WOMEN'S L ACR O S S E T E A M TAUGH T S K IL L S TO LO CA L EL EMEN TA RY S T UDEN T S .
visiting with residents at senior-living facilities, Guilford student-athletes make time in between practice, competitions and classes to give back. Many of Guilford’s coaches encourage and facilitate full-team community
Special Olympics, and many programs
service activities to show student-
work with local chapters to help staff or
athletes that there are things that
create events and help fundraise.
matter outside of school and sports.
In 2016, the Guilford baseball team
Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach Charlotte
spent a day with local tennis Special
Dixon says it is important for her
Olympians by keeping match scores and
athletes to get to know the community
encouraging the athletes. Logan said
and area off campus. “Learning that
that day was impactful for him and his
there are small things that they can do
teammates as they were inspired by the
with their time to make a difference in
the basics of lacrosse during physical
determination of the Special Olympians
someone else’s life is of value,” Charlotte
education classes. The Quakers also
and the volunteers who work with them.
said. “I hope they carry that sentiment
volunteer with youth lacrosse programs.
throughout their lives.”
Not only does this help to introduce
to create exemplary ambassadors of
children to the sport, it also invites new
Guilford’s core values. Associate Head
team, says volunteering allows him
fans and friends to the program. “It’s the
Men’s Basketball Coach Ronnie Thomas
and other student-athletes to leave the
best to see some of the kids we work with
says, “Establishing service in our
“bubble” of the Guilford campus.
coming to watch our games and support
student-athletes will hopefully lay the
our team,” Charlotte said.
foundation for them to go into the real
Logan Shortt ’20, of Guilford’s baseball
In addition to experiencing personal growth through acts of service, many
According to the NCAA, more than 80
Coaches and administrators want
world and give their time, effort and
of Guilford’s teams volunteer to help
percent of student-athletes volunteer
finances to uplift others. It’s about being
grow their specific sports within the
at least once a year, with 44 percent
a positive influence to the world and the
Triad. Charlotte’s team visits Greensboro
serving a few hours a month. Division
only way to do that is to give and share
elementary schools to teach children
III has an established partnership with
your experience.” W W W. G U I L F O R D . E D U | 9
