TicketsDec. 14, 2009
CINCINNATI - The University of Cincinnati lacrosse team was awarded the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) Team Community Awareness Award, the organization announced today. The award recognizes the Bearcats for their hard work and dedication in the community.
"Being active and engaging with the community is a point of emphasis that I stress to the team," said head coach Lellie Swords. "It's important for us to give back to the community."
UC participated in numerous events throughout the season, ranging from Winners Walk Tall, in which the team went into inner city schools and became character coaches and taught the younger kids about the right decisions, to Bingo Night, at which the Bearcats helped manage and arrange a game night for the Kentucky Police and the elderly community.
The student-athletes also supported the American servicemen and women through projects such as Cell Phones for Soldiers and Adopt a Troop. The Bearcats also worked such events as Bras Across the Bridge to support breast cancer awareness and Pop Tab collections programs to support the Ronald McDonald House.
Cincinnati focused on other youth programs as well, working the Kids' Zone at each football game while promoting the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation at various games. In addition, the Bearcats helped out with specific events such as the Nearly Naked Mile and the Adopt a Family at Christmas program.
"Working with the youth programs is something that we have done since I started here," Swords said. "Whether we do youth lacrosse clinics or work the Kids' Zone at football games, it's important and rewarding to reach out to the kids."
UC opens the 2010 season on the road, traveling to Detroit on Friday, March 5. The game will begin at 4 p.m.