University of Connecticut Athletics
12 UConn Student-Athletes Took Part in Community Outreach
2/15/2023 2:46:00 PM | Husky Advantage
STORRS, Conn. - Back on January 27, 12 University of Connecticut student-athletes read aloud to elementary classrooms for the first time in three years since the Covid pandemic. Â
"It was a joy to see the positive impact this experience had on both the Verplanck elementary students and the UConn student-athletes," Coordinator of Husky Advantage Community Programs Gretchen Paulson said. "On the ride back to campus, the Husky readers were already asking about the next opportunity to interact with the schools in the community."Â
The 12 student athletes representing lacrosse, football, and rowing travelled to Verplanck Elementary School in Manchester, Conn. to spend an hour connecting with students and to read sport-based books aloud to classrooms. After the readings, the student-athletes discussed the takeaways of the story, the values that sports have taught them, and how those values translate to school and life.Â
With such important topics being discussed from the readings, the student-athletes were able to build relationships and positively impact the local community through literacy for students. The UConn student-athletes plan to return to Verplanck Elementary again in February to read to the remaining classrooms.Â
For over 15 years, Savings Bank of Manchester Charitable Foundation (SBMCF) has awarded UConn Athletics grant funding to conduct two community outreach programs. Those two outreach programs are The Goal Line Project and Husky Reach.Â
With expansion over the years, Husky Reach and the grant now allows the program to provide books twice per year to three local elementary schools; two in Manchester and one in Willimantic, Conn. Â
UConn expects to also work with W.B. Sweeney Elementary School and Waddell Elementary School to conduct in-person readings again this semester.Â
Student-athletes in attendance:Â
Morgan Carter (WLAX)Â
Grace Goetz (WLAX)Â
Julia Ozimek (WLAX)Â
Emily Schillinger (WLAX)Â
Kaitlyn Tartaglione (WLAX)Â
Landyn White (WLAX)Â
Megan Whitley (WLAX)Â
Grace Winkler (WLAX)Â
Emma Paynter (ROW)Â
Jordan Morrison (FB)Â
