Mizzou Student-Athletes Set Record for Community Service Hours in 2024-25 Academic Year
6/30/2025 10:00:00 AM | General
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou student-athletes made a lasting impact beyond the field of play this past year, delivering record-breaking community service efforts that placed the University of Missouri among the top institutions nationally in the latest HelperHelper Annual Report.
Since July 1, 2024, Mizzou student-athletes have contributed more than 8,456 hours of community service, with an estimated economic impact of $294,000. In total, 100 different organizations were served, with the highest participation focused on Mizzou Athletics initiatives, Won by One to Jamaica (football team service trip), Columbia Public Schools, the Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri and Special Olympics Missouri.
"I'm incredibly proud of our teams for making community service a core part of their culture," said Katie Martinez, Assistant Athletics Director for Student-Athlete Development. "Our student-athletes genuinely love giving back and understand the importance of serving something greater than themselves. Whether they're visiting children in the hospital, supporting Special Olympics practices, mentoring during recess at elementary schools or volunteering at the food bank, they show up with enthusiasm and compassion. Seeing them serve side by side with their teammates is a powerful reminder that what we do truly matters.
"This was a record-breaking year for community service hours across our department. I'm especially inspired by the student-athlete-led initiatives that emerged, including a shoe drive for the local homeless shelter and a holiday toy drive in partnership with Toys for Tots. I can't wait to see how our student-athletes continue to lead and make a lasting impact."
Several Mizzou programs stood out in both participation and hours served. The football team led the way with 1,681 hours, followed by baseball (1,109 hours) and soccer (977 hours). Based on service quality and breadth, the top impact scores came from soccer, women's swimming and diving, women's golf and baseball.
The 2024-25 HelperHelper Annual Report ranked Mizzou No. 12 nationally among all participating institutions — and first among Southeastern Conference schools and fourth among all Power 4 programs. Numerous Mizzou teams earned individual recognition:
- Men's Track & Field/Cross Country – No. 1
- Women's Swimming & Diving – No. 2
- Gymnastics – No. 4
- Soccer – No. 4
- Wrestling – No. 4
- Men's Swimming & Diving – No. 6
- Women's Golf – No. 8
- Baseball – No. 9
In addition, Mizzou was named a Top 20 finalist for the NACDA Fiesta Bowl Community Service Recognition Award for its ongoing partnership with MU Health's Children's Hospital, further highlighting the department's dedication to meaningful, sustained outreach.
"This year, Mizzou Athletics has provided to multiple families within the Columbia area," said Mizzou gymnast Kyra Burns, Co-President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). "Being able to give back to those who have supported our community is a powerful reminder of the impact they've had on our success and reflects our gratitude towards them."
