by Alexandra Covarrubias
UTSA Athletics plays a vital role in the development of our community and youth. While managing a full-time schedule as a student and an athlete, the Roadrunner Family is able to be of service to the community around them, creating a remarkable impact.
During the 2018-19 academic school year, UTSA student-athletes totaled 3,421 hours of community service, which was a five-percent increase from the previous academic year of 3,256 hours.
UTSA student-athletes participated in 67 community service events, helping out 37 organizations and making a difference in 16 causes. Through this outreach program, they are able to create a positive impact on the community while gaining skills in their personal development that will ultimately lead to a complete college experience.
"It is inspiring to see the work our student-athletes have done within the community," UTSA Assistant Athletics Director/Life Skills Coordinator Stefanie Cisneros said. "We have a unique opportunity to enrich the lives of others through volunteer work and service projects and doing so is incredibly rewarding. These opportunities not only impact the lives of those we serve, but also allow our student-athletes to develop as service-minded leaders."
Included in the numerous community service projects were visits to Methodist Children's Hospital, where they spent time with patients, the Rowdy Readers program, where they read to students and talked about their experience as a college student while enlightening the youth to further their education, and helping to raise money for children and families affected by pediatric cancer in the annual For The Kids Dance Marathon.
They also participated in the annual UTSA Day of Service in March, volunteering their time to help numerous community service projects around the city such as delivering and sorting donated items at the San Antonio Food Bank, helping prepare for a fundraiser at Chromosome 18 and landscaping at local parks.
