Softball Reads to Children, Completes Individual Service Projects

HARRISONBURG, Va.—James Madison softball went above and beyond this winter season to give back to their local communities. The student-athletes completed individual service hours, devoting their time to the game they love as well as other establishments in their towns.

Freshman BriAnna Goris celebrated the holidays by volunteering at the In-N-Out Family Christmas Event in Chino, Calif., where she dressed up as an elf and helped children get their picture with Santa. Goris also passed out gift bags with treats to each child.

Junior Alexis Bermudez helped at the St. Paul High School Softball Clinic in Santa Fe Springs, Calif. where she assisted girls ages 6-15. Additionally, freshman Emily Phillips volunteered with the Virginia Legends Fastpitch Organization in Virginia Beach where she helped with a pitcher/catcher session with her former travel ball organization.

At Berry Elementary School in Waldorf, Md., freshman Reed Butler assisted a physical education teacher to conduct games and activities during class. Junior Hannah File donated some of her time as a guest assistant coach at Indiana Prospects 07 Skills Camp, where she helped pitchers practice new skills and techniques and assisted with defensive drills.

The JMU softball winter service continues a component of individual service that has been a consistent trend for the program. During the summer of 2019, the women participated in the CAA Softball Championship Shoe and Sock Drive in Harrisonburg and completed service hours of their own, including volunteering at local soup kitchens, assistant coaching at summer camps, participating in blood drives and much more.

In addition to the individual service, the team recently participated in National Read Aloud Week at Ottobine Elementary School, participating alongside JMU baseball to read to children at the school.

Senior Katie Gordon mentioned, "Most of my summer hours were spent on the ball field giving back to the game that I love. It was awesome to be around local fans and to be able to help others in the community along with gaining some more knowledge about baseball! There's so much behind the scenes stuff that goes on to make a game happen and I never realized it until after volunteering. I'm grateful that I was able to volunteer my time this summer to help summer ball games run smoothly!"

Phillips added, "During the summer I spent some time teaching the love of softball to younger athletes. I enjoyed encouraging these girls. I have been fortunate in having great coaches my entire life and getting to share the knowledge I've learned from them with the next generation is exactly how I like to spend my spare time."

JMU softball is preparing to begin its season in the St. Pete/Clearwater Elite Invitational this weekend in Florida.