March 4, 2005

Columbia, Mo.  Between classes and workouts, the Missouri women's soccer team has had a busy off-season. Despite the rigors of student-athlete life, the Tigers have again found time to contribute to the Columbia community.

Kicking off the month of February, the Tigers made their annual visit to the Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital. While at the hospital, the Tigers had the opportunity to talk to the patients about their experiences in war and thanked them for their sacrifices as they handed out Valentines Day cards and balloons.

Focusing their efforts on community youth, the Tigers hosted a birthday party youth clinic for 15 boys and girls. The MU women helped the youngsters with their dribbling, shooting, passing and heading abilities, as well as showing them the proper ways to celebrate after scoring a goal.

Continuing with youth activities, the Tigers held a second clinic in the Hearnes Center Fieldhouse as part of Women in Sports Day. Prior to the Missouri women's gymnastics meet, the Tigers taught youth in attendance about the game of soccer, played various soccer related games, held relay races and signed posters for participants.

Splitting up to cover more ground, the Tigers took their love of learning to local elementary schools. Hitting classrooms at Christian Fellowship and Grant Elementary schools, the Tigers had the opportunity to read books to students and visit with kids about what they were learning in their classes.

"I really enjoyed getting to read and spend time with the kids at the school," said freshman Laura Buehrig. "I think it really made their day, and it definitely made ours."