TUCSON, Ariz. – Arizona Athletics hosted its first-ever Community Cats Fall Festival, which was a collaboration with the Boys & Girls Club of Tucson. Arizona student-athletes hosted over 70 local youth in the Cole and Jeannie Davis Sports Center for a day of arts, crafts, sports drills and games as part of this new initiatives from the C.A.T.S. Student-Athlete Development program.
"It is super important for student-athletes to be involved in community service opportunities like the Community Cats Fall Festival because the involvement fosters a strong connection to the local community," said Tate Bahti, a junior Swimming & Diving student-athlete and S.A.A.C co-president. "Student-athletes can build relationships with community members to serve as role models for younger individuals and allows us to set positive examples for children and other community members."
Taylen Wise, a sophomore on the track and field team, left the event with a renewed perspective about the importance of engaging with the community after hosting a station where children could guess how much candy was in a jar or the weight of a giant pumpkin.
"My favorite part of the fall festival was seeing my fellow student-athletes show each child the generosity and attention they deserved," said Wise who is an aspiring elementary school teacher.
C.A.T.S. Student-Athlete Development's mission is to implement programs, events, and individualized support that empower student-athletes to develop as leaders, community members, and future professionals. It is part of one of the athletics department's overarching strategic initiatives that focuses outreach commitment and engagement with the Southern Arizona community,
Laissa Mbiene, who managed the skill drill station and helped youngsters learn the art of successfully scoring a goal, also shared her thoughts on the event. She reflected on how the event was a great reminder about the opportunity student-athletes have to serve as positive role models and inspire the next generation of athletes.
"When I mentioned I played soccer, it was cool to see the kids light up and make connections to the sports they play."
