In conjunction with the Eagles Club, FGCU student-athletes and coaches made the first of several planned visits to area elementary schools on Wednesday, Sept. 23 to speak with students about the importance of balancing academics and athletics.
The men’s basketball team visited Laurel Oaks Elementary in Naples, discussing what it’s like to be an Eagle, and students had the opportunity to interact with Azul and the FGCU cheerleaders. Each student also received an FGCU pencil, with additional prizes including FGCU backpacks and lunch boxes being awarded to the students were the most engaging and answered the most FGCU Athletics-related trivia questions correctly.
Student-athletes and coaches started visiting elementary schools last year for the pep-rally style events in an effort spearheaded by Brian Rasnick, Eagles Club Board of Advisors chairman, and Brandi Howell, Eagles Club board member.
“We are very appreciative of Brandi’s and Brian’s leadership commencing this enjoyable initiative last year that fits so well within FGCU’s overall commitment to service learning,” said FGCU Director of Athletics Ken Kavanagh. “In turn, we are excited to continue to have our student-athletes, coaches, cheerleaders and Azul as headliners. We are proud to be Southwest Florida’s hometown team, and this is another opportunity to give back to our community that supports the Green & Blue in so many ways throughout the year.”
The men’s soccer and men’s tennis teams will make the next school appearance at 2:30 p.m. Oct. 21 at Fort Myers Preparatory & Fitness Academy. Other teams will visit Evangelical Christian School at 9:30 a.m. Nov. 13. Additional rallies will be planned throughout the school year.
The Eagles Club is the official booster organization that supports FGCU’s 15 programs by funding scholarships, recruiting budgets and special projects. More than 250 student-athletes benefit from resources provided by the Eagles Club annually.
- See The News-Press’ photo gallery from this event
- Learn more about the Eagles Club and membership benefits
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