The participation of an athlete is limited not only to where they play but also to the community they belong to. Giving back to the people who surround them is a wonderful way to support each other and create a change through meaningful service.

For the Ooks, community involvement is core to their identity. With players from diverse backgrounds, many grew up admiring varsity and professional athletes who gave back to young fans. The women's soccer team has taken this to heart this season. Carly Speelman, a team player and volunteer coordinator, expressed, "We always circle back to giving back to the community that has brought us up, and doing what we can wherever we can." 

Balancing the athletic, academic, and community aspects can be challenging; fortunately, the team has developed a system that is effective and maintains a good dynamic, be flexible and work together. Sometimes they divide players across multiple events based on availability, relying on strong trust and communication. "Organizations always tell us how much they enjoyed working with our team and that they'd love to partner with us again," said Speelman.

Throughout 2025, the Ooks took part in several initiatives that reflected their values and showcased their commitment to supporting local youth and families.

One of the first projects of the season was a "Sock Drive" ahead of winter, where the team collected new socks for local charities. The initiative encouraged both players and fans to contribute, helping individuals stay warm through the colder months.

The team also partnered with the Scottish Club youth program for a series of integrated training sessions. Ooks players were mixed into groups with younger athletes, sharing skills, teaching game concepts, and helping build confidence. "The girls on our team love giving back, and working with young athletes is always a highlight of our year." Carly shared.

Earlier in the season, the team also hosted a donation drive for Sport Central, collecting new and gently used sports equipment and sharing a QR code for online donations. The effort received strong support from both the campus and the surrounding community.

At their final home match, the Ooks welcomed a U8–U9 girls team from Internazionale FC, giving the young players the chance to walk out with the team, act as ball girls, and join in the pre-game cheer. The experience offered the young athletes a unique look at collegiate-level soccer and emphasized the importance of role models in sport.

To close the school year last spring, several players volunteered at Baturyn Elementary's Track and Field Day, helping run events and serve lunch to students. Being positive models on and off the court is what the team considers a huge part of their identity. "We care about more than just playing soccer."

Their commitment to mentorship, service, and supporting local groups highlights a team culture built on leadership and community. As they move into future seasons, giving back will remain a defining part of who they are.