University of Houston Athletics
Soccer Visits Local Nursing Home
5/19/2008 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
May 19, 2008
Recently, the University of Houston soccer team visited New Era Nursing and Rehabilitation in Houston as part of a new player-driven community service program.
The program, introduced by head coach Susan Bush this spring, puts one of the team's rising seniors in charge of organizing a community service project that benefits the team and community as a whole.
The team along with the coaching staff, brought the residents homemade brownies and pudding and took time to visit with the residents while they enjoyed dessert. The team also took part in bingo with the residents and also brought small prizes for the winner of each round.
"The event was a huge success," Bush said. "Our rising seniors approached this project with eagerness and enthusiasm. The nursing home and its residents has welcomed the team back for more bingo and desserts."
Goalkeeper Shelby Scott (Mesquite, Texas/North Mesquite HS) headed up this year's event.
"I believe volunteering has several benefits for our team," Scott said. "Sometimes the busy schedule of being a student-athlete can feel overwhelming and it is easy to complain, but volunteering gives our team perspective about how fortunate we truly are to have these opportunities at the University of Houston. Soccer, when it comes down to it, is only a game, and volunteering humbles you to see that. After leaving the nursing home all the girls were so excited about the visit that we want to do it again sometime. It's amazing how just a couple hours can bring joy to so many people."
Bush, in her second year at the helm of the UH program, feels strongly about the program and looks forward to its continued success in years to come.
"The benefit of community involvement for our team is twofold," Bush said. "Our team is able to contribute to local organizations in a charitable fashion and the community is also able to get to know our team and become familiar with our program. Giving back is often a humbling experience. For a team who is given a lot of opportunities and support, the lesson of being grateful for what you have and recognizing that helping others is important is a lesson we need to continually be teaching."
The Cougars kick off the 2008 season on August 22 with a 7 p.m. CST matchup against UTSA on John O'Quinn Field at Robertson Stadium. Season tickets are on sale now and are available by clicking on the tickets link at www.UHCougars.com or by calling 713-GO-COOGS.
