It’s the season of giving, and twelve West seniors have found a unique way to give back. Ana Poulin, Chris Sexton, Leah McDonald, Kira Frawley, Kayla Crouch, Hope Simmons, Ashley Oakes, Madeline Jackson, Lillie Needham and myself all voluntarily coached co-ed kids soccer teams in the Upward Soccer League hosted by First Baptist Church of Shallotte. Seniors Rylee Jones, Logan Locklear, and Olivia Turnage volunteered their time at the Upward facilities by assisting in the set-up and clean up processes on game day as well as working the concession stand. These selfless students have not only had a huge impact on the children, the parents, and the community as a whole, but they themselves have been impacted through their experience.

Many of the West volunteers have learned traits that could help them in school and work.

“Coaching the kids taught me a lot of responsibility, and they taught us to always be positive,” said Ashley Oakes.

“My team taught me to have better patience and problem solving skills,” said Kira Frawley.

Leah McDonald, Kira Frawley, Kayla Crouch, Hope Simmons, Ashley Oakes, Madeline Jackson and myself all played on a soccer team together in elementary and middle school. It was very fulfilling to be able to reunite and share our expertise in the sport we love.

“I learned to enjoy the little things in life and to not take anything for granted. It made me think of how much I’ve grown up since I was their age and how they have their whole life ahead of them,” said Hope Simmons.

Upward Sports has been hosted by FBCS for the past three years. Upwards focuses on sportsmanship and developing healthy relationships between coaches, parents, and players. Upwards hopes to create hospitable game settings rather than the typical heated and intense atmosphere of sports games.

“[I learned that] parents and volunteers should be positive and show sportsmanship” said Olivia Turnage.

The impact of volunteering is widespread and contagious; it is what makes our county a community.