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| Thomas Elementary students Anthony Willis and Jackson Russo talk with former Collin College men’s basketball player Roderick Adams as part of a mentor program the baskeball players participated in the past. |
Sometimes, in college, what you learn outside of the classroom is just as important as what you learn on the inside.
Both men’s and woman’s Collin College basketball teams are learning that the same adage is true in regards to the court.
Players and coaches from the teams have volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters this semester to be mentors to local children who need a mentor. The players and coaches will be charged with meeting with their assigned child once a week at his or her school for lunch.
In the past, the teams have volunteered in a number of capacities in the community including helping feed the homeless, similar mentor programs at local schools and more.
“The players understand that they can make a difference in helping young people,” Jim Sigona, head coach of the men’s squad, said. “Being a student athlete, they can influence kids who don’t have the same situations that they (the players) have had.”
Sigona said such volunteer opportunities takes the learning outside of the classroom and into the lives of those who need a helping hand in whatever capacity that the players can give.
He added that former players have gone on to universities and signed up for volunteer opportunities on their own accord.
“I hope it continues and the students volunteer late in life and not because they have to do it, but want to do it,” he said.
