Number of Participants: 20
Hours Donated: 10
Value of Time Served: $6,958
Event Type: Civic & Community
Activity: Boys Basketball
School: Eden Prairie High School
Date: February 8, 2026
Location:
Eden Prairie High School
Valley View Road, Eden Prairie
MN
About:
High school athletics offer meaningful opportunities for student-athletes to serve others, and the Eden Prairie Eagles boys basketball program embraced that mission through a hands-on volunteer experience at the Chanhassen Recreation Center.
The opportunity grew out of parent connections to the center’s adaptive basketball program, formerly known as I Can Hoop. Having seen the impact of inclusive programs like Miracle League baseball, families believed the experience would be both rewarding and educational for the players. With that foundation, the captains’ parents partnered with the recreation center staff to organize the volunteer effort as a full-team activity.
Varsity and junior varsity players participated in two separate volunteer sessions, with roughly 10 student-athletes in each time slot. Nearly the entire program took part, making it a true team-wide commitment. This marked the second consecutive year the Eagles participated, with parents sharing context in advance so families understood the purpose and importance of the experience.
At the start of each session, Chanhassen Recreation Center staff met with the volunteers to provide guidance on creating a welcoming, inclusive environment. While some players initially felt unsure about how best to engage, those nerves quickly faded. The gym soon filled with laughter, encouragement, and genuine connection as the Eagles shared their love of basketball with the adaptive athletes. Parents later noted that the experience proved just as impactful for the volunteers as it was for the participants.
The positive impact was clear throughout the day. Parents and staff shared enthusiastic feedback, including praise for the players’ respectful and thoughtful interactions. Recreation center staff also expressed appreciation for the team’s return, highlighting how meaningful it is when high school athletes show up with energy, empathy, and purpose.
In addition to adaptive basketball, the Eden Prairie boys basketball program remains active in several community outreach efforts. Players have volunteered at Summit Place Senior Living Community, where varsity and junior varsity teams spent two afternoons playing Bingo with residents. The program aims to build a long-term partnership—modeled after a similar initiative by Eden Prairie football—where players volunteer annually and residents attend a game together each season.
The team also supports PROP and Breast Cancer Awareness initiatives. These efforts are coordinated primarily by parent volunteers, with players contributing on event nights by collecting donations during games and wearing awareness shirts. Hope Chest has benefited from the program’s breast cancer awareness efforts.
Together, these experiences reflect a program committed to leadership beyond the scoreboard. By giving their time, energy, and compassion, the Eden Prairie Eagles boys’ basketball student-athletes continue to demonstrate that the greatest wins in athletics often come through service, inclusion, and meaningful community connection.
