Women's Soccer Volunteers for Girls on the Run

May 17, 2012

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CINCINNATI - The University of Cincinnati women's soccer team took a break from the offseason to volunteer for Girls on the Run 5K on Saturday, May 12. The Bearcats led runners in a warm up dance and cheered them on at the start and finish line.

"We make sure to fit things into our schedule," said freshman goalkeeper Kristina Utley. "(Life Skills Coordinator) Cassaundra (Thorpe) sets things up for us to do together."

Girls on the Run (GOTR) is a developmental program for girls between the ages of eight and 13. Its goal is to empower and education girls in hopes of prevent activities like substance abuse, eating disorders and depression. The 12-week program focuses on encouraging healthier body images, increased self-confidence and an increased feeling of being on a team.

"When we were standing at the finish line, we saw a girl in a wheelchair finish the race," Utley said. "I thought it was really great to be able to see how proud she was."

The Greater Cincinnati chapter of GOTR was founded in 1995 and serves 1,900 girls annually. More information can be found here.