Members of the Seattle University women’s soccer team showed that they care as much about their community as they do about soccer and their schoolwork, volunteering their time at the fourth annual Holidays at the Hospital at Swedish First Hill on December 8. Alongside members of the Seattle U Athletic Training staff, the student-athletes gave back to the local Seattle community.
“Volunteering at Swedish hospital was a great experience,” said WAC Offensive Player of the Year Stephanie Verdoia (Salt Lake City, Utah). “Being able to make a difference in the Seattle community is always worth the small amount of time it takes out of the day. As a team, we love giving back to those that give so much to us during the year.”
Verdoia was joined by teammates Sarah Coluccio (Seattle, Wash.), Mariah O’Neil (Tumwater, Wash.), Brianna Smallidge (Port Orchard, Wash.), Aris Coover (Bellevue, Wash.), and Renae Russell (Lake Forest, Calif.). Also joining the team were Seattle U head athletic trainer Matt Bussman, assistant athletic trainer Amanda Pruden, and graduate assistant athletic trainers Rebecca Fick and Adriana Logan.
The team volunteered their time at the winter wonderland celebration that included carolers, photos with Santa, a teddy bear clinic, cookie decorating, holiday activities and crafts tables, and a special guest appearance by Roger Levesque of the Seattle Sounders. During the event, toys and donations were collected to be given to children receiving care and treatment at the hospital this holiday season.
“Swedish hospital has provided the university and student-athletes elite level medical care for many years,” said Seattle U head athletic trainer Matt Bussman. “It was great to have an opportunity to support Swedish hospital with this awesome event as well as engage with the Seattle community during the holiday season.”