Womens Basketball Team Reaches Beyond the Court

In between games, a group of basketball players took time for a different kind of endeavor — one that involved getting in the spirit of the holiday season and giving back to a community.

It was November, and the Pacific Union College women's Pioneers basketball team traveled to Southern California to play in a Thanksgiving tournament. The competition included La Verne University, Pomona-Pitzer University, Whittier College and Cal Tech University. Playing four games in four days, the PUC team finished with two wins and two losses.

But the Pioneers also made a point of getting involved in the community in another way. In between their games, the team took time out to visit a senior living facility in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.

For over two hours the players and coaches mingled with the residents, playing chair volleyball and other games, singing songs, and enjoying each others' company. The atmosphere was filled with energy, laughter and smiles. Several of the highlights included the basketball team helping the residents beat their “total hits” record in chair volleyball by over 200; singing “We wish you a Merry Christmas” in the lobby to over 50 residents; and a solo, performed by team member Vanessa Felder, to a couple who were celebrating their 50^th wedding anniversary.

The visit ended with hugs and even a few tears. It was evident the impact the basketball team made on the residents. The director of the senior living home, Carol Warboys, told the team, “There was such friendliness, good-natured humor and love shown by each of your players towards our residents. Those positive feelings are contagious; it felt that we'd known you for a long time, instead of just a few short hours.”