University of Houston Athletics
Softball Making a Difference in the Community
2/7/2012 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Feb. 7, 2012
HOUSTON - With first pitch of the 2012 season just a few days away, teams often spend every possible minute cramming in practices, scrimmages and other drills to prepare for opening day. The Houston softball team, however, has spent their past two days off over these last two weekends becoming involved with the local community.
"Making a difference in the community is a big part about this program," said head coach Kyla Holas. "Our girls had a really good time [at these last two events] and were able to see that even on our worst days, we are so still so blessed. It really helps keep things in perspective this time of year when you're getting tired, frustrated and just ready for the season to start."
This past Sunday, the student-athletes had a chance to be coaches for a day as Houston hosted a youth clinic for the Spring Klein girls softball program. The clinic was designed for campers between the ages of four and eighth grade.
"This is the second year we have done this with Spring Klein and it's always great to build our relationship with such a great local program. Once they get out there and teach softball instruction to someone else, they realize they they are sometimes making the same mistakes as these young campers so it gives them a new opportunity to learn and grow - not just as softball players but as people."
The previous weekend, the Cougars took part in Love Out Loud campaign that seeks to raise awareness about depression, self-harm and suicide that the homeless and needy suffer from. Houston took the opportunity to embrace their blessings as they volunteered to pass out supplies to the needy at the Reliant Center and talk with the individuals about their life.
"Our girls had a lot of fun and it really touched them to see the everyday sufferings of some of the people. We aim to turn these student-athletes into better students, better athletes and better people when they leave our program, events like these are a part of who we are at Houston."
UP NEXT
The Cougars host the Hilton Houston Plaza Classic Tournament this weekend with five games scheduled for opening day. Houston plays against North Texas and Texas A&M Corpus Christi at 3 and 5 p.m. on Friday.
