UK Student-Athletes Host Shriners Hospital Youth
There are many reasons why fans love UK sports. And sometimes, it’s not just what happens between the lines where Kentucky’s student-athletes can make a huge impact.
On Saturday, the Kentucky baseball and softball teams took time to host the “No Limits Sports Camp” in collaboration with Shriners Hospital, teaching hospital patients some of the finer points of their games.
Coming off one of the biggest baseball seasons in Kentucky history, head coach Nick Mingione found it was vital to incorporate the motto “Student, Person, Player” into the season once again. Mingione hopes that this serves as a reminder to players and the Lexington community how success is really found in being a well-rounded individual, not just by your record at the end of the season.
“Student, Person, Player is the foundation of what we believe in and I made a commitment to our student-athletes’ parents that I would help develop them in those three areas,” Mingione said. “So, to have the opportunity to do something like this is something that I hope they never forget. But then also, help them realize, we are really fortunate for this platform that we have been given.”
The team was able to work hand-in-hand with patients from Shriners on simple baseball skills and have fun while providing an uplifting environment. UK catcher Kole Cottam agreed that this would be a highlight of the season.
“The person part of this is just unbelievable,” Cottam said. “To see these kids come out here and just play the game that we all love, it’s incredible. Just getting to see the lights in their eyes and to see them smile, it’s crazy. It just puts everything in perspective but it is just a surreal feeling.”
The Kentucky softball team had a similar experience. Head coach Rachel Lawson said that the camp was a very special day for her team as well.
“UK Softball is fortunate to have the backing of our great University and the BBN,” Lawson said. “And, it was incredibly meaningful to be able to give back to Shriners Hospital and their amazing patients.”
The meaning of this event will stick with both programs throughout the season, impacting not only how they play, but also how the players grown as people throughout the rest of their season.
“Ultimately, more than anything, I just love the connection that our players have made with some of these children,” Mingione said. “That is really important to me because our players are just really, really good people and that is why they’re here. For them to develop these relationships and make an impact in people’s lives is something I hope they will never forget.”
Saturday was proof as to how there is no limit to what UK student-athletes can do. From impacting patients one on one, to having a winning season, to changing the attitude of the community, the impact of these student-athletes can be felt far and wide.
