Columbia News

Mizzou student-athletes have achieved a significant milestone in community service during the 2024-25 academic year. They contributed over 8,456 hours of service, according to the HelperHelper Annual Report. This effort had an estimated economic impact of $294,000 and involved supporting 100 different organizations.

Key initiatives included Mizzou Athletics programs, Won by One to Jamaica (a football team service trip), Columbia Public Schools, the Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri, and Special Olympics Missouri.

Katie Martinez, Assistant Athletics Director for Student-Athlete Development, expressed pride in the athletes' commitment to community service. "I'm incredibly proud of our teams for making community service a core part of their culture," she said. She highlighted various activities such as hospital visits and mentoring at schools as examples of their dedication.

The football team led with 1,681 hours of service, followed by baseball with 1,109 hours and soccer with 977 hours. Soccer also received top impact scores along with women's swimming and diving, women's golf, and baseball.

Mizzou ranked No. 12 nationally in the HelperHelper Annual Report among participating institutions and first among Southeastern Conference schools. Several teams earned individual recognition: Men's Track & Field/Cross Country ranked No. 1; Women's Swimming & Diving was No. 2; Gymnastics tied at No. 4; Soccer tied at No. 4; Wrestling tied at No. 4; Men's Swimming & Diving was No. 6; Women's Golf was No. 8; Baseball was No. 9.

Additionally, Mizzou became a Top 20 finalist for the NACDA Fiesta Bowl Community Service Recognition Award due to its partnership with MU Health's Children's Hospital.

Kyra Burns, Co-President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and a gymnast at Mizzou stated: "This year, Mizzou Athletics has provided to multiple families within the Columbia area." She emphasized that giving back reflects gratitude towards those who support their community.