AU Athletes Connect with Nashville Youth for Community Day of Giving

One site for the volunteer initiative was Purpose Prep Academy, a student-centered and project-based elementary school based in Nashville. The AU athletes met with over 20 young members of the school’s basketball team, as well as the program’s coaching staff. 

“I think it’s really important to give back,” said Bria Hartley of her experience at Purpose Prep. “A lot of us come from the same communities that some of these girls are in now. So it’s really cool to have the opportunity to see people kind of living out their dream, and representation matters. So I think it’s just really cool that we’re able to come here, be an example for these girls, and just answer any questions that they may have.”

Another group of AU athletes made its way to Mount Juliet Academy for Girls to join in the organization’s mission – helping girls in the state juvenile detention system surpass trauma and abuse, build confidence, and develop the skills needed for a successful future.

The athletes met with girls ages 12-17 at the residential treatment center, lent a listening ear, and inspired the girls by sharing their life stories.

Meanwhile, one volunteer crew greeted a special visitor at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium. The athletes met with a patient from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at the competition site of AU Pro Basketball Season 4. 

After learning about the work of St. Jude, athletes teamed up with the patient on an art project. Each artist incorporated a phrase into their artwork that they turn to during difficult times. The resulting paintings will be featured in a continuing art installation at the St. Jude campus in Memphis, Tenn.

“I’m grateful to be a part of something positive that is bigger than myself and bigger than basketball,” said first-year AU participant, Jude Schimmel of the day’s interactions.

One team of athletes was right at home on the hardwood during the day’s events, joining in on YMCA Community Action Programs, and engaging in activities – including basketball – with the middle school-aged participants in the afterschool program.

The squad of volunteers worked to make each young athlete feel seen throughout their visit. 

I liked how involved everyone was when it came to asking and answering questions,” said guard Kenisha Bell. “Everyone picked a task to do and worked together as a team to keep smiles on their faces.”

Sydney Colson, Theresa Plaisance, Evina Westbrook, and Maddy Siegrist were among the athletes who went on the air at Seacrest Studios and reached out to pediatric patients over the airwaves. 

Seacrest Studios is a closed-circuit radio and television system at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt that broadcasts therapeutic and entertaining programs directly to its patients’ rooms. Its programming includes live music performances, game shows, story times, craft shows, celebrity appearances, and other special events. 

Athletes answered questions, greeted patients who made their way to the studio in person and provided gifts for patients who were watching and listening from their beds. 

“We just wanted to get out in the community and show that we want to give back as much as we can,” Colson said. “It was just as rewarding for us, I think, as it was for them, so hopefully they’ll invite us back again.”

Designed to inspire creativity and joy, Seacrest Studios provides students with an escape from their treatment-filled schedules at Monroe Carell. The AU athletes joined in that mission. 

“We’re extremely grateful to be playing AU, but also giving back to the community,” Siegrist said. “Being here in Nashville has been great for basketball, and now to get to get to know the community a little bit more has been really impactful.”

Siera Jones is the digital media reporter at Athletes Unlimited. You can follow her on Instagram and X @sieraajones.