LCU Softball so much more than a game

Sportsmanship happens on and off the field and builds character in athletes in all aspects of their lives, and it’s one of the key components of the softball team at Louisiana Christian University.

 

Giving back to the community and just being grateful is central to this team’s winning formula.

 

This Veterans Day, the 46 women and four coaches will spend the day calling veterans and their families around the country to express their thankfulness for all they have sacrificed for their country and its citizens.

 

Head Coach Barry Roberts said the team has been doing this since 2018, when he came to LCU, and the team looks forward to it each year.

 

Roberts said they would call about 200 veterans this year on Nov. 11.

 

“From California to Georgia to Ohio to Illinois, we will call veterans all across the. country,” Roberts said. “The kids took it and look forward to it.”

 

Roberts previously did this service project at Robertsdale High School and said some of the veterans have been getting calls for nearly 20 years.

 

The project has grown on its own. The softball players each submit four names, but they don’t call their own submissions. Veterans are from all different eras.

 

“Some you’ll call, the Korean and Vietnam era, and they don’t want to talk about it,” Roberts said. “Others will be on the phone 20 minutes just talking and listening. Even a few widows get called.”

 

Seniors Karlie Stine, of Hackberry, and Jordan Dauthier, of Jarreaux, said they look forward to the projects.

 

“It’s a great thing to do because they made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and freedom,” Dauthier said.

 

Stine said the veterans called always appreciate getting a call from someone acknowledging their service.

 

The softball team also participates in Operation Christmas Child every year. This is a ministry that provides shoeboxes filled with Christmas gifts for children around the world who may not otherwise receive anything, along with a message of Christ’s love.

 

Currently, the team is also collecting pairs of new socks for boys and girls of all ages as part of a project for the foster community. They also visit with elementary students in Rapides Parish, eating with them and reading to them.

 

“I’m always looking for community service projects that mean something, not just to say we did something,” Roberts said. “We try to be a positive part of the community.”

 

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Media Release | Nov. 11, 2024 | Pineville, Louisiana
Contact: Dr. Elizabeth B. Clarke, Director of University Communications | Elizabeth.clarke@lcuniversity.edu