Chowan Athletic Teams Lend a Helping Hand to Habitat for Humanity

Chowan Athletic Teams Lend a Helping Hand to Habitat for Humanity

December 14, 2010

AHOSKIE, NC - Student-athletes from the Chowan University's baseball, men's golf, softball, and women's basketball team contributed to building a house for Habitat for Humanity in Ahoskie, North Carolina over the course of the Fall Semester. The teams dedicated one Saturday per month over the last four months to aid in the building of the newest Habitat house in the Roanoke-Chowan area.  Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization that seeks to provide shelter for those in need. 

Each team that participated selected a Saturday in the Fall, and went with their respective team to assist in building the house. The student-athletes put their time and ability to good use by completing a variety of tasks including: landscaping, shelter-wrapping, siding, electrical work, and roof repair.

The CU softball team poses after working at the Habitat house

Chowan's Head Softball Coach, Mandi Balduf, spearheaded the Habitat for Humanity efforts through the CU Student-Athlete Affairs commitment, formerly known as CHAMPS/Life Skills program, initiated by the NCAA.

"I think that anytime you can get the students involved with an organization  like Habitat for Humanity, right in our own backyard, it's a great opportunity," stated Balduf. "It's an opportunity for everyone to see that the world is bigger than themselves."
 
More of Chowan's athletic teams are expected to participate in the completion of the Habitat house in Ahoskie over the course of the Spring Semester. The house, located in Ahoskie, is being rebuilt after it was destroyed in a fire more than a year ago.

"Helping a family rebuild their life and rebuild memories after such a tragic event is a great experience for everyone involved," Balduf continued.
 
As the weeks went on, it was evident that their hard work was paying off. With a full team of athletes working on the house each week, an enormous amount of progress was made on the house over the course of four Saturday's. This was an excellent opportunity for student-athletes to give back to those in their local community, and it was rewarding to see the progress each team made from week to week.

Chowan's Head Baseball Coach, Aaron Carroll said his team and their efforts with the house were equally as rewarding. "Whenever you can get your kids involved with the local community, it's a good situation for the everyone involved." Carroll and the baseball team participate in community service throughout the year as do many of Chowan's athletic teams.
 
When asked about her experience in working with Habitat for Humanity, Tricia Gorman, a member of the Chowan University softball team, said, “This was a great way for us to be the change we want to see in the world.”