Issue link: http://catalog.e-digitaleditions.com/i/673108
141 E ach year the University of Iowa soball team challenges its student-athletes to find an organization in the Iowa City community they are passionate about. All 22 soball student- athletes found that passion at one of seven local organizations. On April 23, the Hawkeyes honored those organi- zations — Iowa City's Hope Lodge, UI Reach, Big Brothers Big Sisters, VA Medical Center, Iowa City Animal Center, Grand Wood Area Education, and the Ronald McDonald House — during their fourth annual Aware- ness Day at Bob Pearl Field. "e purpose of Awareness Day is to show the the great things these programs do for the communi- ty," said sophomore Ashley Yoways. "We love that we get to play soball every day, but there's more to life than that. It's nice to be able to give back and show our community how it can get involved and help others." Before Iowa's game against Penn State, a repre- sentative from each institution threw out the first pitch. Each organization also had a booth for fans to visit, and videos of Hawkeyes volunteering was played between innings. "Our girls have a great time working with their organizations," said UI head coach Marla Looper. "is is a good group. ey care and they want to do more for our community. I'm happy that Awareness Day allows us to share that with our fans." For the past three years, UI seniors Whitney Re- pole and Haley Hansel have had the opportunity to work with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Johnson County. e program connects students that come from tough or strenuous family situations with a "big" that can serve as a friend and mentor. Each week, Repole and Hansel spend an hour with their "buddy" doing everything from homework, to dancing, to playing UNO. "My buddy is in sixth grade, and I've been meeting with her for 18 months now," said Repole. "Our thing is playing UNO. We keep track of how many games we've won. Right now she's beating me, 31-20. We will see if I can make a comeback before the end of the semester." Every week spent with her bud- dy brings something new, and the growth in their friendship has been evident throughout. "Seeing the change in the relationship with my buddy and I has been rewarding," Repole said. "At first she was a little standoffish and reserved. Now she has come into her own as this loud, boisterous, fun person. I'm happy to be a part of that. I enjoy it." While every student-athlete's volunteering experi- ence looks different, the Hawkeyes recognize the importance of giving back to the communities they represent on and off the field. "As student-athletes we have a unique position within the Iowa City community," said Repole. "It's something every student-athlete should take advantage of. e opportunity to help is always important, and it puts our sporting experience into perspective. e trials we face on the field are not part of the big picture. ere are people out there that can use our help." MAY SCHEDULE May 6-8 vs. Minnesota May 12-15 Big Ten Tournament