WKU Athletic teams rang in the new year of 2017 with open hearts. Numerous Hilltopper teams have strived to contribute to the community, even in the midst of prepping for their respective seasons.
One of the biggest events that Hilltoppers helped with thus far in 2017 was the National Girls and Women in Sports Day. Prior to the Lady Topper Basketball Game against Southern Miss on Feb. 4, several of the Lady Topper squads showed up to support young girls and their passions for sport. Both Lady Topper Volleyball and Soccer were amongst the different squads that contributed their time and talents to the day.
The national theme this year for the National Girls and Women in Sports day was “expanding opportunity”. The Lady Toppers led those efforts by hosting different activities like soccer, basketball, volleyball, and dance in the E.A. Diddle Arena auxiliary gyms. Big Red even joined in the fun with the girls for some jump rope. A variety of activities were provided so the young girls could see all the different opportunities in sport that they have in their future. Nearly 100 girls showed up for this encouraging event, learning that women and girls can do anything to which they put their minds. WKU Athletics and the Lady Topper squads are looking forward to hosting more National Girls and Women in Sports days in the future.
WKU Football looks to give back wherever it goes. While in Florida, the players took time out of their busy schedule during bowl season to take a trip to the Boca Raton Regional Hospital. The Hilltoppers wanted to give back to the host community of their bowl game by spreading some old-fashioned WKU spirit.
Rounds were made in the Toppel Family Place maternity unit, where the crew saw several newborn babies and their families; they passed out stuffed Big Reds and the signature WKU red towel. Families, children and nurses were all happy to have the visiting Hilltoppers spreading some Big Red love down in Boca Raton.
Although many of the WKU Athletic teams are wrapping up seasons soon or just getting their seasons underway, the Hilltoppers are always in the giving mindset. Look out for where the Hilltoppers will serve next!
Hilltoppers With Heart, sponsored by Passport Health Plan, was founded in 2011 and is designed to give WKU student-athletes, coaches and staff the unique opportunity to make an impact in the community by volunteering time and talent with numerous organizations including United Way, Boys and Girls Clubs, local schools and many more.
Passport Health Plan is a provider-sponsored, non-profit, community-based Medicaid health plan that has been contracted with Kentucky’s Cabinet for Health and Family Services to administer Medicaid benefits since 1997. Medicaid members can choose Passport to be their health care provider, and as of June 27, 2016, there are nearly 17,000 Passport members living in Region 4, which includes Warren County and the campus of Western Kentucky University.
Some New 2017 Community Involvement Stops
– Warren County Parks My Girl Dance
– National Girls and Women in Sports Day
– Center for Courageous Kids
– Potter Children’s Home
– Boca Raton Hospital Trip
– Dishman McGinnis Super Bowl Party
– Bristow Elementary Leadership Party
– Dishman McGinnis Reading
-@WKUSports-
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Jessica Leifheit
Assistant Director
WKU Athletic Communications/Media Relations