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This week of Thanksgiving, we celebrate and appreciate the blessings we have in our life. One way of showing gratitude is by serving others and giving back to the community.
I saw this article written and published this week by Herb Brooks, Associate Director of Softball for the University of Florida program, and felt it SO WELL epitomized the good service of those in our sport as it shines a positive light on these great coaches and players—not just for what they do between the lines, but how they use their positions as respected sports figures to better lives around them.
With the permission of Herb, we’re running the article which originally ran Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022 on FloridaGators.com and can be accessed directly by clicking HERE. Credit also goes to Herb for the photos as well… and kudos go out to the entire softball program for all the good done in the Gainesville community this month!
— Brentt Eads, Extra Inning Softball
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Florida Softball Gives Back through Gators Experience Program; Goelz Named Heather Braswell Award Recipient
Being successful on the field and in the classroom are two of the widely known characteristics of the Florida softball program, but being outstanding members in the community is one the program’s main pillars.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Florida softball is well known for its rich-tradition of excelling on the diamond and in the classroom, but one of the program’s pillars is being passionate about making an impact and giving back to the community.
Before the Gators kicked off a busy month of November giving back, the players selected senior Kinsey Goelz as the recipient of the Heather Braswell Above & Beyond Award. The award is voted on by the players and bestowed to the one who best exemplifies what it means to be a Gator, not just on the field, but even more about what it means to be a Gator off the field.
“It’s an honor to be chosen by my teammates for the Heather Braswell Award.” Goelz said. “I didn’t personally know Heather, but I grew up hearing her story. She was such an inspiration to the program, but also to people around the country. It’s an honor to be chosen for an award representing such an inspiring and courageous young lady.”
“I couldn’t be prouder of this team.” Head Coach Tim Walton said. “On the field, we’ve been working hard getting better as a team and building team chemistry. However, off the field we’ve done so much in the community and we’ve really stressed how important it is to be embedded in the community.”
To start the month of November, players split up and spent six days volunteering and visiting various organizations in the Gainesville area, while the team was also focused on finishing up its fall exhibition schedule and preparing for the final weeks of the fall academic semester.
Mentoring Elementary Students & Visiting Young Cancer Patients
Players made their way to Lake Forest Elementary at the first of the month to participate in a mentoring program where they helped kindergartners learn how to read.
“We are very thankful to be able to give back to our Gainesville community.” Goelz said. “We loved helping teach the kindergartners how to read. It was a great way for us to give back and show how important being a good student can help you fulfill your dreams of the future!”
The following day more players took a trip to UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital to brighten the day and spread joy to pediatric cancer patients.
“Giving back to the Gainesville community is such a privilege.” Senior Sarah Longley said. “Taking trips to Shands to see kids in the hospital can be hard to see at times, but spending time, playing games with them and putting a smile on their faces brings such a good feeling. Our hopes are that we can make their day just a little bit better.”
The week of service continued at Terwilliger Elementary when more players mentored kids from various grade levels, joined them for lunch and later went to recess with them. Players then participated in the Lastinger Center’s kickoff event for their New Worlds Reading Initiative that was created to improve childhood literacy and build a love for reading.
“For me, whenever I get the opportunity to give back, it allows me to be a part of something bigger than myself and softball.” Redshirt-senior Bryn Thomas explained. “Seeing the smiles and pure joy come across kids’ faces is what it is all about. Walking into a classroom having students run up with open arms and give me a hug without even knowing who I am is the most rewarding part.
“So, going to Terwilliger Elementary and being a part of the New World Reading Initiative allows me to let the students feel the love and appreciation they deserve.”
Dinners & Food for the Hungry
As the Thanksgiving holiday approached, the Gators continued to spread the love as the team traveled to the St. Francis House to prepare and serve dinner to those in need and made their annual trip to Trinity United Methodist Church to assist in the preparation putting together 1,209 bags of food that will benefit 4,200 individuals in the local community.
In addition to the active acts service in the community, the program also collected canned goods at each of its exhibition contests this season and donated the items to the Bread of the Mighty Food Bank.
The drive was a huge success as the team was able to collect and donate 918 pounds of food that will be distributed to other organizations who will then pass out the food in their communities to directly feed the hungry.
In the busy life of a student-athlete that requires them to balance class, practice and building relationships off the softball field, the Gators still make sure to make time to give back and make an impact in the Gainesville community.