TACOMA, Wash. - The Pacific Lutheran University Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) gave back to the local community on October 30th, partnering with Sequoia Therapeutic Recreation for a soccer clinic held prior to the Lutes' women's soccer match that day. 

The event consisted of indoor drills such as soccer bowling, passing, shooting, dribbling, and throw-ins that the participants were able to go through with PLU student athletes inside Olson Fieldhouse before finishing the event with a penalty kick shootout during halftime of the PLU Women's Soccer game.

Bridget Duven, a senior on the women's swimming team and SAAC member coordinated the event from the Lutes side of things. Peyton Santos, a junior on the track & field team, and Jordan Haworth, a senior on the baseball team also helped Duven ensure the event was a success. SAAC was also able to get over 20 student-athletes to volunteer. 

The Sequoia Therapeutic Recreation group brought 12 members to go through the drills and watch the game. Having the turnout was important to make sure all the participants were able to go through the drills with a Lute student-athlete guiding them. 

Sequoia Therapeutic Recreation provides inclusive community based recreation activities through individual Recreational Therapy Plans for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The clinic continued a Lute tradition of working with community partners to provide programming for children of all ages and ability levels. These events allow participants to get outside and be active while also being able to interact with college student-athletes. 

"I think it is really important to create these partnerships with the surrounding community. It gives both the Lute and surrounding communities the opportunity to interact and join together to create special memories and connections," said Duven.

As for the best moment from the event, hands down was "when our Sequoia Athletes put Athletic Director Mike Snyder's athletic abilities to the test while he played goalie and they took turns shooting at the goal."

PLU Athletics and SAAC are encouraged by this year's turnout and are excited for the partnership with Sequoia Therapeutic Recreation to grow in future years.