msu Archives - Athletes for Hope

Athletes in Action

Athletes in Action

April 2022 AFH University Recap!

As we approach the end of the school year, class schedules may be slowing down but AFH University service projects are as strong as ever. Take a look at some of the highlights below to see what AFH U student-athletes have been up to over the past month!

In Baton Rouge, LSU Volleyball served at a booth at the Baton Rouge Zippity Zoo Festival community event while LSU Athletics as a whole hosted a field day for middle schoolers at LA Key Academy. Student-athletes from Beach Volleyball, Gymnastics, Indoor Volleyball, Cross Country ran different stations and interacted directly with the students.

college athletes post with two children outside

“Getting to engage with the middle schoolers was so rewarding. You could tell they felt seen and for me, they helped bring laughter and fun to the whole field day.”

Ellie Shank, LSU Beach Volleyball

As part of their student-athlete week at Southern University, AFH U partnered with NAMI Louisiana to host a mental health awareness event. NAMI Louisiana director, Lashonda Williams, J.D. lead a discussion around stress management and the importance of whole athlete wellness, Nicole Wesley of Pennington shared an opportunity for female athletes to participate in a psychological resilience study, followed by a yoga session facilitated by former student athlete, Maya Anderson.

In Charlottesville, UVA hosted its first “UNITY Walk” which was was organized by SAAC Vice President and BOSS (Black student-athletes Offering Service and Support) leader Milla Ciprian. Working with groundskeepers, she says that the goal of the walk was to “educate our peers on the historical and lingering effects of the impact of structural racism from the perspective of Charlottesville community members.” In turn, this walk helped connect student-athletes at UVA with the Charlottesville community, an important step in improving the relationship between the two.

As citizens who live and work in the city of Charlottesville, there is an opportunity to learn more about the untold history of Charlottesville and its inhabitants. Our intention is to connect and begin creating a relationship with the local community.

Milla Ciprian
a group of UVA students stand in a street

Moving up the east coast to Washington, D.C., Howard Women’s Basketball assisted and cheered for youth with disabilities during a basketball game with athletes from KEEN Greater D.C.

MSU Field Hockey and Football promoted the Be The Match None Marrow Registry around campus by getting students, friends, and family members to sign up for the live saving registry.

“Be The Match is a great event to help educate people on the importance of bone marrow donation saving lives. It’s an event that my team looks forward to hosting every year and we are excited to grow the registry every year.”

Cara Bonshak, MSU Field Hockey

Last but not least, we had a wonderful session, “Creating a Social Justice Mindset” with student-athletes in the AFH U Sports Philanthropy Certificate Program. Track and Field runner Marvellous Iheukwumere spoke with student-athletes about gender and racial equality, sexual assault and chronic disease advocacy.

Join us in congratulating AFH University student-athletes for once again going above and beyond in giving back to their communities!

AFH News

MSU Student-Athletes Hold Annual Food Drive

by Meredith Norris, Michigan State AFH University Intern

As we begin to navigate another COVID-19 pandemic holiday season, those who able, are eager to give back. Michigan State, a proud member of AFH University, acknowledged this and took action. 

Over a week’s time, MSU student-athletes held their annual SAAC Food Drive. Donation bags were dropped off at nearly 2,000 East Lansing homes. A week later, student athletes went back out into the community and collected food from those who donated. MSU also accepted donations at the home ice hockey game. 

“I participated in the food drive because I feel it’s really important for student athletes to give back to our communities. A huge part of why I was able to make it to this level of sports was due to the support of my community, and I want to reciprocate. It’s also just a great feeling to help those who are in need!”

Emily Petrosky, Women’s Rowing

In partnership with the Greater Lansing Food Bank, Michigan State student-athletes collected over 5,000 pounds of non-perishable food and hygiene products. The Greater Lansing community has been a huge supporter of Michigan State and its student athletes; the food drive is just one example of how student athletes try to give back to those that make an impact on their lives. 

“The food drive afforded not only me, but my whole team, the opportunity to give back to the community and help those in need during this difficult time! I am grateful for this opportunity to give back to a community that’s given so much to me!”

Talia Edmonds, Women’s Volleyball

We are so proud of all the Spartans who donated both their time and resources to provide non perishables and other necessities to those in need!