Amanda Nikhazy
Special to In Motion
Student athletes are known as the face of the school in many cases, so it’s imperative that they uphold a positive reputation at Daytona State College.
Staying connected to the Daytona Beach community and giving back is high on the importance list for student athletes at DSC.
“At DSC we are preparing our student-athletes for life after sports as well,” said DSC head softball coach Sabrina Manhart. “Our players are taught that they have responsibilities greater than just those expected of them on the field. The opportunity to serve others, promote awareness and educate or fundraise for a worthy and important cause also enhances their personal development. Servant leadership can also foster team chemistry and instill an attitude of gratitude.”
DSC has eight sports, five woman teams and three men’s. Each team has rigorous practice schedules, games, conditioning, weight lifting, school work and many more things to keep on top of, but they always make time to leave a lasting impression on the community. To show support and ensure a good turnout, student athletes are common attendees at school events such as the Fall Festival and recent Daytona State Pageant.
“From my perspective, I love the feeling that I get when I help my community because it makes me realize how lucky and blessed I am. When we volunteer for events that involve helping the needy, I always try to put myself in their shoes because it makes me realize the struggle that they have to face and what they have to sacrifice in order to eat a good meal or find clothes that are appropriate with the each season,” said Kendall Arcia, who plays softball for the College.
Off seasons are primarily the main time that student athletes and their teams are involved in more community service projects because they are not as busy with sports.
“When we are not in season during the fall, it gives us more opportunities to be a part of different events,” said Gage Hutchinson who plays baseball for the College.
Each team’s schedule is created by the coaching staff and includes an abundance of community service work. Depending on how strongly a coach feels about community service, a large or small commitment can be expected. But at DSC, it is usually of high importance.
Coach Manhart said, “We had something on the calendar once a week throughout our fall season. It isn’t uncommon for the softball program to participate in close to 20 service projects each year. Many of the teams enjoyed participating in the Heartwalk and Best Foot Forward events in the community and helped with the Fall Welcome Back and the first annual homecoming festivities on campus this fall.”
Daytona State Athletics provides annual volunteers for several events such as “Best Foot Forward,” sponsored by the Junior League of Daytona Beach, which helps needy and homeless children in Volusia County. Children are bused to the Volusia Mall after school where each child is given a budget to spend, based on how much the organization raised that year. The Daytona State Athletes, as well as other volunteers from the community, are then paired with a child to pick out brand new clothes and shoes for them.
“Whether participating on a sports team or not, it is always a positive idea to take the time out to volunteer,” said Manhart. It does not have to have to be something extravagant or a well thought-out event because every action counts.
“I hope our student-athletes are seen not just on the field or court as a separate entity but among the college community as part of the bigger Falcon Family because of their commitment to the college and the local community,” she added.