RICHMOND, Ind. — Four seniors got to finish their time representing
Earlham College at the National Collegiate Athletic Association Student-Athlete Day earlier this month in
Indianapolis.
Katy Buda,
Aleta Cox,
Franny Newport and
Jayana Sims traveled to the NCAA Hall of Champions for the event held in conjunction with the men’s basketball Final Four designed to give something back to the community.
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I am excited that four of our student-athletes had the opportunity to engage in the activities of the NCAA service day,” Earlham Associate Director of Athletics Jill Butcher said. “Any time Earlham student-athletes have an opportunity to participate in service and also be a role model for youth is beneficial to all those involved. I am extremely proud of these four women and how well they represent Earlham.”
During the day the Earlham contingent was separated into groups and assigned children from the Dream Keepers Camp that ranged from age 5-12.
“What drew me to it was that we would be helping kids,” said Sims, who played basketball at Earlham. “I thought it would be a good opportunity for me to help other people. We helped them teach lessons to the kids about responsibility, academics, work ethic and how to be a decent person.”
Cox felt as if this was her last chance to be apart of an athletic function. “I thought it was a great, final opportunity for me as an athlete,” Cox said. “My volleyball season was over in October, and while I had to miss classes and work to go, it was a good closing activity.
Plus, I won't get to experience other events like that one once I leave Earlham.”
It was also an educational opportunity for Cox. “I plan on continuing school and getting my Master's in Child Development,” she said. “So getting to spend a whole day with 6-year olds talking about character building, diversity, the environment, and just life in general was so appropriate.”
Women’s basketball player Katy Buda was thrilled to be asked to participate. “I was honored,” Buda said. “I didn't want to pass up such a fun opportunity to be recognized as a hard-working student-athlete, and to have a fun time outside with some amazing kids.”
“It was an amazing experience for me because I love hanging out with kids, and it was nice to spend some time off campus in such a beautiful city,” Buda added.
In the afternoon, the activities turned to
King Park in
Indianapolis where the groups planted trees.
“I thought it was a great idea and a fun way to get more involved and give back to an organization that has greatly influenced my four years here at Earlham,” said Newport, who played soccer for the Quakers. “I'm very happy that I went because it was a very fun experience.”
“When the kids started getting into planting the trees at the park, I felt like we had accomplished our goal,”
Newport continued. “I would absolutely recommend doing this to another student-athlete.”