Women’s Soccer: Caring in the Community

MARS HILL, N.C. - Learning occurs in different venues and on different planes. While young children learn literacy and basic math skills, college students learn disciplines to prepare for professional life, but what happens when these two groups are brought together? What can they learn from each other? For the Mars Hill women's soccer team and students at Mars Hill Elementary School, the teaching process has been a two-way street.

"They get to see some older people come in that care about them," Mars Hill women's soccer player Salem Woody said. "We read to them; they get to read to us, which in turn helps them learn. We have thought-provoking, learning sessions."

"It's an opportunity for our program to reach out to the community which goes in line with Division II philosophy for student-athletes," Mars Hill coach Ken Miller commented. "The kids get to see young adults in college where we can help them with reading enhancement. We have individuals on our team looking to get into education, and it's a good way for them to get experience outside of the college classroom.

The two groups began working together in early August. The partnership was formed between Miller and Christiaan Ramsey, the principal of the elementary school.

"The kids have formed a partnership with one another which has mutually benefited both the college kids and the elementary students," Ramsey noted. "The elementary students are excited about the potential for learning alongside college students."

Members of the soccer team work with the same groups of elementary students throughout the semester, so both sides have become familiar with the other. Some of the elementary students even attended Mars Hill women's soccer games during the 2010 season.

"I love doing it, and getting to work with the same grade helps you build a bond with them," Mars Hill women's soccer player Chelsea Parker said. "Every Friday, the teacher says the children ask when we are coming. They are really excited to read and learn when we get there."

The experience has also brought the Mars Hill program closer together.

Woody added, "It's helped us bond as a team because we've done something outside of soccer that challenges us and helps us become better leaders. Just knowing that we have made a difference in the lives of children has meant a lot to us."

In the end, Miller noted the primary purpose of the reading program and the partnership off all involved.

"I hope we have learned civic virtue on how to give back. I hope the kids have been inspired to want to attend a higher learning institution to obtain a degree, maybe even develop some future soccer fans. Our players are leaving a positive impression on a kid's life."