From tennis to cheerleading, New Trier’s sports teams are not only striving to build a stronger bond with one another but also with their communities. In addition to regular practices and games, New Trier High School sports teams volunteered across New Trier Township this fall to support people in need.

By participating in local organizations and making essential kits for those in need, sports teams have given back. 

“The kids always enjoy helping others. It is a good feeling to be able to give back to our community,” Jerry Morse-Karen, girls head varsity tennis coach, said.

This past season, the team volunteered at the Glenview Community Garden in Glencoe, Illinois.

“We helped them harvest food and fix the soil. The team was eager to accept any opportunity given. There is not a much better feeling than helping others,” Morse-Karzen said. 

The coaches not only believe in participating, but the players do too.

“Helping out the Glencoe Community Garden really impacted me because it showed me that even though we are athletes, we must always find time to help out the community,” sophomore Laura Beloto said.

Similarly, the girls volleyball team helped at the Misericordia Bakery in Glenview, Illinois, which provides “challenging job opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities.” They spent several of their Sunday afternoons at the Misericordia bakery, creating connections with those who work there.

Hannah Hsieh, girls varsity volleyball coach, has supported their participation. 

“This year, instead of trying to fundraise, we are trying to spend more time helping out those directly,” Hsieh said.

The cheerleading team also got involved by collecting commonly needed products like shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes, and toothpaste for The Night Ministry, a nonprofit organization for those experiencing poverty. When the day came, they assembled these kits and brought them to the Kenilworth Union Church in Kenilworth, Illinois, to give back. 

“They were able to assemble over 100 kits, which is pretty incredible,” Kelsey O’Kane, varsity head cheerleading coach, said. “This team came together and gave back to our community in order to make it a better place for all to live and grow.” 

The cheerleading team has not only shown its ability to help others but also to bring dedication to not give up on its given task. They are a team that never fails to give up, both on and off the field. 

“Doing service projects for cheer positively impacted us and others by bonding us as a team and giving back to those in need!” sophomore Olivia Kinney said. 

These efforts of assembling kits give all those participating a fond sense of overall belonging and community. Not only are they helping others, but they can help themselves too. 

“The best way we can use the resources New Trier has is by giving back to others,” O’Kane said. “Helping other people in our community can go a long way. We need to be aware of the contributions we make, continuing to help whenever we can.”