22 Sports, One Team IV

Muhlenberg opens campus to next generation of mules

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Rachel Saxton ‘25 and Mikayla DeMichele ‘25 demonstrate a game to the students at the “Mini-Mule” station in Scotty Wood Stadium on Friday, Oct. 14

On Friday, Sept. 30, the Office of Community Engagement ran a “Mini-Mule” event at Muhlenberg College. Kids from a local elementary school spent the day learning what it’s like to be a college student. At the Muhlenberg Athletic Leadership Team (MALT) activity, “Wanna race?” was the first thing a student asked when he ran over, eager to get going. 

The event, which has been around for many years, originated because of a request by Muhlenberg’s long-time partner, Roosevelt Elementary School. The program had to be put on hold during the pandemic, but Muhlenberg resumed hosting it in person this year.

During the event, students had the opportunity to engage in four stations that explored art, dance, STEM, and athletics, run by Muhlenberg student-athletes.

“The impact of an event like this is that students see what life can be like at a higher education campus,” said Marcia Zillito, a teacher that accompanied the kids during the event. “This, perhaps, helps them strive to reach that on their own. It can be a motivator to do better. It also connects students to the education required to attain a career that interests them.”

Adding the student-athlete section for this year’s event provided kids with a fresh avenue to connect with Muhlenberg students.

“So many young people love athletics,” said Eveily Freeman, associate director of community engagement. “This is a great way to connect with kids and offer a deeper understanding of how athletics can be part of their futures. Plus, getting our bodies moving is good for everyone of all ages.”

Some kids could not wait to start playing with the ball, while others were more interested in talking to the student-athletes about various topics such as sports and their favorite foods. Regardless of the mode of participation, the kids made the most of their time with the student-athletes.

Student MALT coordinator for the event and softball player Jamie Carfagna ‘25 mentioned that the best part of her day was being the “big kid.” “Kids can look up to us,” said Carfagna. “Having big kids around is a good thing. Being passionate and upbeat about athletic interests we share with the kids is how, as student-athletes, we can make an impression on the kids.” 

“Positive role models are extremely important for our students,” said Zillito. “Our students are urban dwellers, and some need positive role models to help them achieve the best they can with what they have… Students sometimes just need to see there is more offered in the world than what is directly around them. Not that their lives are negative in some way, just maybe there is more out there.”

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