Valpo Athletics Continues Community Impact

Valparaiso University student-athletes remained exemplary community ambassadors this past year, logging over 2,200 hours of team-organized community service during the 2024-2025 academic year.

The men’s basketball program served the community through numerous mentorship and basketball camp opportunities over the past year, including working with Boys & Girls Clubs in Hammond, Portage, Gary, Valparaiso and East Chicago in addition to the Gary Life Center and St. John De La Salle Catholic School. The women’s basketball team’s long list of community service endeavors this past year included partnering with Habitat for Humanity, Hilltop Neighborhood House, Popcorn Fest, Pines Village, Central Elementary, Cooks Corner Elementary and the MAAC Foundation.

The cross country and track & field programs were part of the Popcorn Panic 5k and Girls on the Run. The football team helped children pick out new clothes as part of Dressed for School. Women’s golf served food for a 3,000-person company picnic. The soccer team completed painting, cleaning, rehabbing and landscaping at the Valparaiso YMCA.

The softball program organized and performed in the MAAC Haunted House and served the community at Heavlin Elementary. Swimming volunteered at Dressed for School, the Boys & Girls Club of Northwest Indiana and Bringing Children Hope. Volleyball helped Special Olympics with volleyball practices and wrapped Christmas gifts for the Boys & Girls Club. Bowling recently did a Day of Caring event with the Emmanuel Lutheran Church. 

These are a few of the many community service events that Valpo teams and student-athletes participated in during the 2024-25 academic and athletic year.

“The way we show up in the community is an incredibly important component of our athletic department,” Director of Athletics Laurel Hosmer said. “I am proud of how our student-athletes serve as exemplary role models. Service opportunities give us the chance to give back while developing bonds with our neighbors in Valparaiso, Northwest Indiana and beyond.”