December 10, 2009

SEASIDE, Calif. – Despite a full class schedule and eight hours of workout and/or individual practice a week, the Cal State Monterey Bay softball team has been making a difference in the community this fall semester.

"The CSUMB Softball Team is committed to helping the community," said head coach #Andrea Kenney#. "Helping at Dorothy's Kitchen has been an eye opening experience."

The Otters have volunteered twice at Dorothy's Kitchen in Salinas, serving hot lunches to those in need.  Dorothy's Kitchen has served approximately 1.7 million meals since opening its doors in 1982.

“All the volunteers were welcoming and appreciative of our time with them,” said senior #Niki Ames#. “We had a good time working as a team to help the community.”

Since the beginning of September, five different players each week have been volunteering at McKinnon Elementary School on Friday mornings.  Their activities have ranged from tutoring, grading tests and taking the children outside to do physical education.

“When we get there, the boys and girls get very excited and never want us to leave,” said senior #Jenny Montez#.

The softball team has also made an impact on the field with the local youth by hosting free camp on October 20.  The group of about 20 worked on their defense, hitting and base running.

In November, the squad signed up for the Monterey County Adopt-A-Beach program and picked Marina State Beach as their designated beach.  They committed to cleaning the beach at least three times a year and have ventured out twice already this year, on Nov. 5 and Nov. 30.

"Helping the teachers and students at Mckinnon has been rewarding and then beach clean up are near and dear to my heart," Kenney said. "I want my great grandchildren to be able to enjoy the ocean like I have."

The Otters also competed in three fall tournaments that were highlighted by a 7-0 victory over UC Santa Barbara on their home field.