May 29, 2009

Women's Basketball Program Recognized by Horizon League for Community Outreach

    Youngstown -- The Youngstown State women's basketball team was recognized for its commitment to serving the community by receiving the Horizon League Community Outreach Award.

    League Senior Associate Commissioner Alfreeda Goff presented the award to senior Tiara Scott at YSU's 22nd Annual Scholar-Athlete Awards Banquet.
    "Community service is a staple of our women's basketball program here at YSU," assistant coach Shannon Sword said. "Our student-athletes are great people and excellent role models. It was nice to get into the community this year to help and interact with people of all ages."

    Student-athletes and coaches in the YSU women's basketball family completed 17 different community service projects throughout the 2008-09 academic year. Those projects ranged from a Trick-or-Treat night at Sunrise Senior Living retirement home in nearby Poland, Ohio to discussing goals and important life decisions with students at the Youngstown Academy of Excellence to running a free basketball clinic for area youth. The team also participated in nationwide philanthropic activities such as the Coaches vs. Cancer Walk and the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund "Pink Zone".

    Photos from the Penguins' year in the community can be found on the Community Service Projects page.

    The Horizon League annually recognizes one team at each of its member institutions for its work in the community.

    Community service is part of YSU Head Coach Cindy Martin's "Three C's" to success, along with classroom and court.