TACOMA, Wash. — Service is a core value of the Pacific Lutheran University Athletic Department and last Month the PLU women's basketball team lived up to that core value, volunteering in a restoration project at Catherine Ursich Park with Metro Parks Tacoma. 

"Coach Lee always reminds us that 'service is one of our core values' and this project was a way for us to give back to our community while also serving the mission of PLU," said junior Emi Wada. 
 
"I loved being a part of the restoration of this beautiful park, we were able to make such a visible impact, meet new people and learn about the management of these public parks."
 
Eight members of the team spent their day on Sept. 28 clearing out invasive plants, placing down mulch for fall planting and clearing out dead trees. One of the coordinators with Metro Parks Tacoma said that the team 'was able to complete 3-4 months of restoration work in that one day!' The Lutes made a lasting impact in a short amount of time establishing a connection within their local community hopefully for future years to come.
 
"I hope to come back to Catherine Ursich Park next spring to see what new plants and flowers were able to grow as a result of our work!" 
 
The Lutes open the 2024-2025 season at home on Saturday, Nov. 9, hosting Warner Pacific University inside Olson Gymnasium. Tipoff is slated for 2 p.m.