By: Brandon Warr, Athletics Communication Specialist
The University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB) student-athletes continue to lead by example—not only in competition but also in the community. During the 2024–25 school year, Falcons from across multiple sports completed an incredible 6,416 community service hours, giving back through volunteer efforts throughout West Texas and beyond.
“I could not be prouder of our student-athletes – not just for their accomplishments on the field, but for the countless hours they have dedicated to serving our community,” said UTPB Vice President for Athletics Scott Larson. “Their commitment to making a difference in the Permian Basin reflects the true spirit of leadership, teamwork and integrity that we strive to instill in our athletics programs.”
Football Leads the Charge
The UTPB football team logged a department-high 2,834 hours—1,312 hours in Fall 2024 and 1,522 hours in Spring 2025. Head Coach Kris McCullough, a founding advocate for UTPB becoming a Special Olympics College, has cultivated a culture of service that continues to grow.
“Our staff buys in to what we try to do in the community and what we try to do in the classroom, and our players love giving back to the Permian Basin,” said Coach McCullough. “Giving over 2,000 community service hours in a year is pretty tough to do, and we have done it back-to-back years now.”
The football team’s impact reached far and wide, supporting Special Olympics, volunteering weekly at the West Texas Food Bank, working with Habitat for Humanity, assisting with campus-wide cleanups, providing water during the Midland water crisis, and helping at banquets, auctions, and local festivals.
Volleyball and Baseball Make Their Mark
The volleyball team followed with an impressive 1,650 community service hours, focusing on youth volleyball outreach, Special Olympics, and animal shelter volunteerism.
“We find it important to give back to those who so often are the ones going out of their ways to cheer us on,”said Head Volleyball Coach CJ Allard.
Baseball finished third with 520 hours, supporting Special Olympics, campus landscaping projects, and additional community initiatives.
“Service allows us to make a positive impact, even in small ways,” said Head Baseball Coach Justin Phillips. “It also helps us grow personally—building empathy, teamwork, and a sense of responsibility.”
Basketball Teams Lead by Example
Men’s basketball contributed 500 hours, supporting the West Texas Food Bank, the Bridge Church Pumpkin Patch, Special Olympics, and engaging with local schools.
“This is home for our student-athletes while they are here, and it is good for us to show our appreciation,”said Head Men’s Basketball Coach Kyle Tolin.
Women’s basketball added 350 hours, giving back through Pink the Basin, the Boys & Girls Club, local schools, and Special Olympics.
“Our West Texas community is special and filled with amazing people,” said Head Women’s Basketball Coach Rae Boothe. “We are grateful and proud to serve in any way that we can.”
The Heart of Falcon Athletics
Across all sports, UTPB student-athletes exemplify leadership, service, and community. Their 6,416 hours of volunteerism during the 2024–25 academic year stand as a testament to the values at the core of Falcon Athletics—and their impact will continue to be felt across the Permian Basin for years to come.
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