On November 18th, Neumann University’s softball team traded in their cleats to volunteer at the Philadelphia Convention Center.
The young women and coach Shannon Padula began the night with a team dinner at the Reading Terminal Market, where they bonded over a quick bite to eat and filmed content for the team TikTok.
They then made their way to the Convention Center on 11th and Arch, where the team volunteered, handing out the necessary shirts and bags needed to participate in the annual Philadelphia Marathon.
“It is always important to volunteer and give back to our community. Being part of a team is something bigger than yourself and finding ways to help others will always help you become a better person and teammate. The marathon is an athletic event so even more so as an athletic team it is important to support such a prolific event,” said Coach Padula.
The Philadelphia Marathon is considered to be one of the top 10 marathons in the United States and includes a full marathon, half marathon, 8K, and kid’s fun run.
“I started taking my teams to volunteer at the Philly marathon about six years ago. I think it's a positive environment and also a chance for players to see Center City Philadelphia, go to the Reading Terminal Market, and show ourselves in the Philadelphia community,” Padula said.
Each girl was stationed at different marathons and played a key role in making the event a success. It is extremely evident that team chemistry must work beyond the diamond. It is important to communicate and work together as a team to make bags for each runner and be able to provide information to those who are not familiar with how the marathon even runs. Additionally, it allows for the team to work together with others to achieve a common goal.
“My favorite part [of the service event] was being able to take the load off of the other volunteers that had been there all day,” said junior utility player, Ashley Leicht.
The girls also were able to meet people who come from not only all parts of the country, but also around the world to participate in the event.
“I enjoyed being able to meet people from all over and be able to help them prepare and encourage them before the race,” senior infielder, Erin Grogan added.
The varsity softball team going out and volunteering on a weekend for their community is a prime example of the Neumann University RISES values. These principles are Reverence, Integrity, Service, Excellence, and Stewardship. It is important to live the actions that these values inspire. The community service event promotes a great deal of thoughtful and ethical leadership and will prepare the young woman for life outside of academics.
“Through Reverence, we show respect to all the runners and all their hard work to get to the Philadelphia Marathon by helping the pre-event run smoothly. The word Service is also one of the S's, so service is a key to the RISES values. Service is to always give back and realize we are privileged as student-athletes and something as small as volunteering one night in fact helped a huge event run much more smoothly.’ said Padula.
It was a successful night for the team, who handed out hundreds of shirts and bags to eager runners who would participate in the marathon that upcoming Sunday.
“[The service event] was smooth and productive. The team was able to bond over dinner and then we went to the Convention Center. Everyone did their part in helping which allowed other who were also volunteering get a break. Overall, it was a great experience,” commented senior outfielder, Christina Ludovico.
Volunteering at an event such as the Philadelphia marathon is a great experience because it is athletes recognizing other athletes for their hard work and motivation to push themselves to their limits and achieve such success as completing a marathon.
“Community service is a great way for us as a team to go out and work with great organizations. I really enjoy the experiences and conversations we get to have with new individuals as well as the time we spend together as a team,” said catcher/infielder, junior Elizabeth Shire.
Danica Pedone
