(Story courtesy of University of Dallas website)
CEDAR HILL, Texas - The University of Dallas women's soccer team volunteered Friday, Apr. 27, at the 2012 Special Olympics Texas (SOTX) Spring Games held at Cedar Hill High School.
The Spring Games included track and field events and soccer competitions. Members of second-year head coach Kristina Corona's team helped specifically with the soccer competitions. Their duties included score keeping, shagging balls, and encouraging the athletes.
According to specialolympics.org, the Special Olympics Athlete's Oath is, "Let me win; but if I cannot win, then let me be brave in the attempt."
In her time volunteering, University of Dallas freshman goalkeeper Mary Quinn noticed these values hold true on the soccer field for the Special Olympics athletes.
When asked the most memorable part of volunteering for these competitions, Quinn said, "Seeing how excited the athletes were to play; even if they were losing, their love for the game still remained. Also seeing how excited they were when they scored, and then how proud the parents were of their children."
Echoing similar sentiments, junior forward/midfielder and co-captain Melissa Carpenter enjoyed, namely, the enthusiasm and passion the SOTX soccer players displayed.
"It was contagious, Carpenter said, "and made the event memorable in a way that had me looking forward to the next time I'll get to support these awesome soccer players!"
Junior midfielder and co-captain Marin Chambers also commented on the volunteer opportunity.
"Volunteering for the soccer competitions was amazing because I got to help others experience the same joys that I have when I play soccer," Chambers said. "The greatest part about volunteering is being involved in something that creates a positive impact in someones life."
Gracious for the involvement with a non-profit organization like SOTX, Coach Corona was proud of her team for making an impact in the local community.
"The girls (team) really seemed to enjoy spending time with all the athletes," Corona said. "It was truly amazing to see these young women impact the lives of others, especially within our community in the DFW area."
"Everyone at SOTX was very friendly and we look forward to organizing more events with SOTX in the fall season and next spring."
"Overall, the University of Dallas women's soccer program loved being apart of an amazing non-profit organization," Corona said, "and a special thank you to SOTX for allowing the team to be apart of an incredible day."
