Bel Air- MD –Student athletes from several teams took a break from the classroom and the field to give back to the community and help those in need. As part of the "Be the B.L.U.E" initiative, students from the softball, women's soccer, lacrosse, and baseball teams volunteered to provide assistance for hurricane relief efforts, the Miracle League, local 4-H club, American Legion, Beachmont Farms, and Habitat for Humanity.

"Be the B.L.U.E" is a new initiative for the athletic department that recognizes and promotes positive interactions with the campus and community", said Ed Liesch, Harford Community College Athletic Director. Liesch added, "B stands for being brave. L stands for be leaders. U stands for be united. And E stands for being excellent." Student athletes, teams, and coaches are encouraged to create a culture of being leaders in their community while excelling in every aspect of the student athlete experience.
Recently, the women's soccer team took an opportunity to turn negatives into positives. "We've endured a lot of injuries and setbacks this season and decided the best way to combat it was to do as much good as we could to spread positivity around us", said Head Coach Rebecca Volk.  She went on to add, "Earlier in the week we did an hour of community service in lieu of training because we had too many injuries. The girls donated clothes to American Red Cross and Purple Heart, picked up trash in their neighborhoods, helped at local small businesses or farms, cooked meals for family members, and purchased coffee for people in line behind them."

In addition, the women's soccer team did an overnight campaign to help those impacted by the hurricanes. The team raised $900 in a few hours. Aubrey Heise, Saylor Bare, and Ellie Pogggioli used the funds raised to purchases items that were donated to The Victory Team who were traveling to the impacted areas with relief items.

The lacrosse team has been busy on the field preparing to defend their national title. However, the team has been just as busy off the field. Several members of the team volunteered at the Bel Air American Legion for their Crab Feast Fundraiser. In addition, student athletes spent hours breaking down the summer camp and setting up the Corn Maze at Beachmont Farms. "Volunteering and being involved in the community is part of our lacrosse family. We want to excel in the classroom and win on the field but we also want to help in our community" says Head Coach Aaron Verardi. The team also provided manpower setting up and breaking down for the Kingdom Run 5K. Lastly, ten men volunteered with a Habitat for Humanity build day in Aberdeen, MD.

The baseball and softball teams spent the fall volunteering for two organizations. Women from the softball team recently partnered with the North Harford 4-H Club. The student athletes go their hands dirty providing hours of assistance gardening and other 4-H projects. Meanwhile, the baseball team provides mentorship and practice assistance every Tuesday night with the Harford County Miracle League. The Miracle League provides opportunities for children with disabilities to play Miracle League baseball, regardless of their abilities. Next week, the Fighting Owls will take on the Miracle League players in a benefit game to raise awareness for the Miracle League and their athletes.

"We don't solely base our success on the wins from the field or court", said Liesch.  He adds, "Our success is determined by our performances in the classroom, the lives we touch in our community, and our work ethic in practice. If we excel in these three areas, we will be successful in competition."

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