In an effort to instill an understanding of character values in the youth of the community, the women’s volleyball team met with local Girl Scouts for a day of fun and life learning.

 The volleyball team hosted a clinic for the Southeastern Louisiana Girl Scouts in the Residential Quad Sunday, Oct. 23. Girls, ages 7 to 14, came from the surrounding area to learn volleyball skills, techniques, and the value of sportsmanship. “We taught the young ones to be ‘Champions of Character,'” said Tommy Harold, head volleyball coach.

In Loyola’s athletic conference, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, the “Champions of Character” program is designed to instill core values in athletes.

“The values are integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership,” Harold said. “Not only do we teach our athletes to uphold these values, but we encourage them to be great role models at events like this.”

The volleyball team signed autographs for the young girls and gave away tickets to upcoming games.

“It was at that age that I really fell in love with sports, especially volleyball,” said general studies business sophomore Shelby Plant. “I was proud to be part of that experience for them.”

The women’s volleyball team participates in community service annually, and this is the third year they have worked with Girl Scouts.

Haley Humiston can be reached at [email protected].