And the volunteering continues!!

Megan and Ashley went as representatives for the UIndy women's soccer team to a Free2Walk event held at a local church here in Greenwood last Sunday. This may sound familiar to some of you reading this, and that's because we participated as a team at this event last year as well. This is a 5K event held to raise awareness of human trafficking as well as money to donate to the cause. The event is very similar to the season-long Free2Play campaign we completed as a team during our last fall season.

Megan and Ashley representing the Greyhounds!

Having a common cause outside of the game of soccer that we are all passionate about makes us that much stronger as team. Creating the identity of a team who plays hard on the field, succeeds in the classroom, and works diligently to bring awareness to such a worthy cause is a great feeling that I am proud to say I am a part of. Stay tuned for more news regarding Free2Play in the upcoming fall season :)

Go Hounds!!

Kait #5

Springtime Service with the Hounds

When it came time to schedule some volunteer opportunites for the team this year, the first thing that came to my mind was Race for the Cure. This event, held annually in downtown Indianapolis, is dedicated to the cause of fighting breast cancer. People currently battling the disease, cancer survivors, family members, and community members from all over join up to participate in the festivities to raise awareness and funds to find a cure for breast cancer. We volunteered as a team two years ago, and I really wanted the underclassmen to have the same great experience the upperclassmen have had.

Having fun at Mile 1!!

We volunteered at Mile Marker #1 as cheerleaders for race walkers and runners. We chanted cheers supplied by I Am The Cure, and even got creative and made up our own. We spent the morning encouraging participants and creating a positive atmosphere in support of an incredible cause.

Creating a tunnel for race walkers and runners

The experience is very rewarding and touching. The participants often thank us and are extremely grateful for our efforts, which always baffles me because cheering during the event is so minor compared to the challenges they face every day with battling cancer. They are such strong and courageous people, so it makes us feel really good that we can bring a smile to their faces and maybe provide a little distraction for the morning.

The team absolutely LOVED this experience. I have heard discussion amongst them already that they are very interested in running in the race next year as long as our spring schedule will allow for it. Days like these make me so proud to be a part of this amazing group of girls!

Halloween in April: An Annual Tradition

The tradition lives on! Our annual Halloween in April themed practice took place on Friday, April 19th. The rules remained the same; costumes had to be appropriate and functional, meaning we had to wear them all practice. With the standards set high last year, we channeled our creative sides and this is what we came up with. Hope you enjoy!

The whole team :)

Tracie, Nicole, Bryant, and Bentley were the Avengers!

Megan as a nun and Kait as "salt" (Grindlay was "pepper")

Keki and Adams were ghosts!

Honey Boo Boo, a Jazzerciser, and Superwoman :)

We always get a good laugh out of Halloween and April (and so do those who catch a glimpse of our practice!) It's a fun way to end the spring season and enjoy one of the last days we can all train together before summer rolls around. I can't wait to see what the girls come up with next year!

Go Hounds!

Kait #5