In conjunction with The Greenbrier’s Neighbors Loving Neighbors program, the Marshall University women’s volleyball team provided a helping hand Wednesday, assisting with flood relief efforts at Villa Park in White Sulphur Springs.
The Thundering Herd squad, which has been in the area for training camp the last few days, spread lime on the football field, to help control bacteria, and spread fresh mulch on the park’s playground area.
“We have come down here for training camp for several years, and this year, with everything that has happened, we knew we wanted to find a way to help,” said Marshall head coach Mitch Jacobs. “This is the perfect project, because most of these girls grew up playing on fields just like this, and we want to help kids in the area get back on these fields.
“This is West Virginia. The state of West Virginia basically funds our program, and I think giving back is one of the most important things we can do.”
The June 23 floods impacted much of West Virginia, with Greenbrier County one of the hardest-hit areas. Fifteen of the 23 lives claimed by the floods were in Greenbrier County.
Senior setter Taylor Riedel grew up in the Huntington area, graduating from Cabell Midland High School, so providing a helping hand to fellow West Virginians in need meant a great deal to her.
“I’ve lived in West Virginia my whole life,” she explained. “I love this state, and the whole state has a community feel. It feels great to be able to help people in this area out, because I know they would do the same if something happened to Huntington.”
Cassie Weaver a senior outside hitter, is also playing college volleyball in her hometown of Huntington, and, as it is for Riedel, that sense of state pride is important.
“The Greenbrier is beautiful, and this place is beautiful,” Weaver said. “It’s sad to see it looking like this. We’re trying to get it back into shape, and I think it’s awesome that we have 23 players here and are able to get so much done.”
The Marshall University volleyball team will open the 2016 season at the Hoosier Invitational in Bloomington, Ind., on Aug. 26.
For more information on Neighbors Loving Neighbors, visit Greenbrier.com/neighbors.
