ST. LOUIS – University of Missouri–St. Louis basketball student-athletes recently stepped outside the gym and into the St. Louis community, using sports to create connections and memorable experiences with local youth.

Members of the UMSL women's basketball program visited the Central Institute for the Deaf, where the Tritons spent time playing basketball and interacting with students at the school. UMSL men's basketball also traded the basketball court for the baseball diamond, joining athletes from the Adaptive Sports YMCA for an opportunity to play baseball together.

While the activities were different, both experiences reflected a shared belief within UMSL Athletics that being a student-athlete extends well beyond competition.

"Community service gives us an opportunity to show our players that life is bigger than basketball," UMSL Associate Head Women's Basketball Coach Emily Samuelson said. "Our sport can be a vehicle to positively impact others, even through something as simple as spending time together and playing a game. At the same time, these experiences expose our student-athletes to something new, expand their perspective and help them better understand the world around them."

That message resonated with UMSL women's basketball student-athlete Emerson Weller, who said the visit was a reminder of the importance of taking time to be present with others.

"As student-athletes, our schedules can often be busy," Weller said. "Moments like these remind us how important it is to slow down and show up for the people in our community. You never know the impact your kindness can have on someone else."

Weller saw that impact as she watched the students at the Central Institute for the Deaf interact with her teammates.

"Watching the students cheer each other on while showing off their basketball skills was very touching for me," Weller said. "Although we were a small part of their day, we were able to have fun and encourage them to uplift each other. I hope our time at the institute instilled confidence and brought joy to the students."

For UMSL Assistant Men's Basketball Coach Marwan Gadallah, serving the community is an important way for student-athletes to recognize that they are part of something larger than their team.

"Community service is one of the most tangible ways we can show our appreciation and say, 'We are so glad to be part of this community,'" Gadallah said. "We're not just here to compete; we're here to contribute. The support we receive is not owed to us. We belong to this community because of the relationships we build and the ways we show up for others."

UMSL men's basketball student-athlete Makeer Makeer came away from the Adaptive Sports YMCA experience with a similar appreciation for the ability of sports to connect people.

"This experience meant a lot to me because it gave me the opportunity to be involved in something bigger than basketball," Makeer said. "Being around the athletes and seeing their excitement reminded me that sports are about creating opportunities, bringing people together and making everyone feel included."

It was the reaction of the athletes that helped Makeer recognize the impact he and his teammates could have simply by being present and participating.

"Seeing the smiles and excitement from the athletes while they were playing made me realize the impact we were having," Makeer said. "It showed me that simply being there, encouraging them and participating with them could make the experience more meaningful."

Both programs see community engagement as an important part of developing student-athletes and teaching lessons that will remain with them long after their playing careers end.

"Serving others before yourself goes hand-in-hand with what it means to be a great teammate," Samuelson said. "We want our players to lead with an unselfish mentality. Every opportunity like this challenges them to look at the world a little differently and hopefully develop a greater awareness and appreciation for the people around them."

Gadallah believes those experiences provide lessons that cannot always be taught through practices, games or classrooms.

"Beyond the hours served, our student-athletes get to see life through different lenses," Gadallah said. "They build empathy through personal connections, develop greater social awareness and strengthen their leadership skills by stepping into unfamiliar situations, taking initiative and learning from the people around them."

Those lessons were reflected in what both Weller and Makeer said they will remember beyond their time as UMSL student-athletes.

"This experience reminded me that while being a student-athlete is temporary, we can continue to show up and support others for the rest of our lives," Weller said. "I will carry this experience with me by continuing to spread support, kindness and empathy wherever I go."

Makeer said the experience reinforced both his appreciation for his own opportunities and his responsibility to create opportunities for others.

"I will remember how powerful sports can be when they bring people together and create opportunities for everyone," Makeer said. "It reminded me to appreciate the opportunities I have and to continue giving back and making a positive impact wherever I can."

For both programs, giving back is also an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between UMSL Athletics and the community that supports the Tritons.

"It is important for our student-athletes to be present in our community and let people know that we are there for them," Samuelson said. "Sports can be such a fun way to bring people together. When our teams get out into the community, we hope we are not only creating a positive experience in that moment, but also building connections and generating excitement about UMSL and our programs."

For Makeer, representing UMSL through service carries the same importance as representing the university in competition.

"It felt great to represent UMSL in a positive way," Makeer said. "As a student-athlete, I know that representing the university goes beyond what happens on the basketball court. Being able to give back to the community made me proud to wear the UMSL name."

Weller shared that sense of pride.

"I was very grateful to represent UMSL in this way," Weller said. "As a school, we are able to show up and positively impact our community, and we are very lucky to have the opportunity to do so."

Through opportunities such as their visits with the Central Institute for the Deaf and Adaptive Sports YMCA, UMSL student-athletes are using sports as a common language – one that can create connections, build understanding and reinforce that their opportunity to make an impact extends far beyond the scoreboard.