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SOCCER VOLUNTEERS AT HOWE ELEMENTARY
4/13/2012
Members of the men's and women's soccer team volunteer at Howe Elementary.
The program was put together by assistant director of development, Missy Matzen - a former Sacramento State women's soccer player - and current men's soccer assistant coach Matt McDougall in conjuction with Howe Elementary guidance counsellor Karen Murphy.
Murphy told Matzen that, due to school budget cuts, Howe didn't have the manpower to coach or money to provide equipment for sports like it could in the past. Matzen and McDougall knew that was something they could help with.
"Our student-athletes are always looking for ways to give back to children, especially through sports," Matzen said. "When I mentioned the opportunity to our soccer programs, they jumped at the chance."
Every Friday members of both the men's and women's soccer team head to Howe Elementary for the school's lunch period. The Hornets get to know fourth and fifth grade students over lunch before spending time out on the soccer fields. They don't just talk about soccer, but the attitude and effort in school they needed to be successful and move on to college.
"We are so thankful to have all the soccer players participate in this special partnership," Murphy said. "We are so lucky to have them share their time and themselves with our kids."
Read more about the program in a story from Jillian Kweller in The State Hornet by clicking HERE.
Nsima Inyang (L) and Alex Lopez share lunch and conversation with students at Howe Elementary.
Gabriela Trenton hangs out with students during their lunch period.
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