At Team Up 4 Community, we believe in the transformative power of community service, and the University of Toledo’s athletic department exemplifies this principle. Amidst challenges of declining enrollment, the university’s athletic department continues to shine, not just on the field but also in the community.
Rocket student-athletes volunteered for a record-breaking 4,800 hours of community service, resulting in a total economic impact of nearly $150,000. This marks an incredible 200% increase over the previous year. The Athletic Department hosted and participated in a variety of civic engagement activities, including mental health awareness, voter education, diversity, equity & inclusion, and career networking. Through their efforts, UT Athletics earned a spot in the top 25 Division I programs for service.
Moreover, more than 100 coaches and staff from UToledo Athletic Department came together for Toledo’s Community 419 Day, contributing to the removal of over 3,000 pounds of litter from city parks, further deepening their bond with the community.
This year, UT’s Women’s Tennis team was recognized with the prestigious 2024 ITA Midwest Regional Community Service Award, the first time a MAC school has received this honor.
Bryan B. Blair, Vice President and Director of Athletics at the University of Toledo, shared:
“While we rightfully celebrate the incredible achievements of our student-athletes in their respective sports, we feel that the ultimate purpose of Toledo Athletics is to graduate champions who will change the world. An important part of that equation and one of our core values is a dedication to service. The volunteer efforts of our student-athletes fill an important need, inspiring area youth while deepening our connection to the community that gives us so much. We are proud of our student-athletes, and we hope their commitment to volunteerism is something they continue long after they graduate from The University of Toledo.”
For the third consecutive year, the University of Toledo has been recognized with the prestigious Cartwright Award, honoring the Mid-American Conference school with the best combination of athletics, academics, and citizenship. This accolade underscores the holistic approach taken by UT’s athletic program, where citizenship through community service is a key element.
The dedication shown by the UT athletes and staff aligns perfectly with our mission at Team Up 4 Community: fostering a sense of responsibility and commitment to community improvement among youth. The impact these student-athletes have on the Toledo community serves as an inspiring model for young athletes everywhere, showing how the values of leadership, empathy, and service can make a lasting difference.
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