Wake up. Hit the weight room. Grab breakfast. Head to class. Get in a few hours of study hall. Eat lunch. Class. Gear up for practice. Study. This is the life of a typical collegiate student-athlete. What sets Missouri State University athletes apart is their willingness to dedicate their time and give back to the community that has given them so much support.

Through different forms of service and volunteer work, our athletes have contributed over 1,400 hours to the local community. One of the most common interactions is through our Bears Read program. Bears Read is an opportunity for athletes to meet local elementary school students, speak to them about the importance of academics, and read a few children’s stories. Since February 2015, we have had 15 athletes visit 5 local schools. Athletes and students alike truly enjoy the program. Another program our students volunteer with is the Miracle League of Springfield. This is an organization that is dedicated to helping children with mental and physical disabilities play baseball. Our Women’s Softball Team has participated in the Buddy Program since 2012 and logs numerous hours during the semester. Healthy Heroes, an afternoon exercise program created by Field Hockey alum Andrea Bain, continues to be a great way for athletes and students to interact in a fun, educational way.

The joy of service and volunteerism does not end there. Every year, the Athletics Department participates in the Meals a Million Pack-a-Thon, in an effort to pack a million meals alongside our athletes. MSU student-athletes are also involved with organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club, Ronald McDonald House, Adopt a Street, Salvation Army, Harmony House, Adopt a Family, Convoy of Hope, Habitat for Humanity, and numerous others. While the life of a student athlete can be busy, those here at Missouri State University are determined to engage the community and offer support when and where they are needed.