In May, student-athletes from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, UIndy and Wabash participated in three Habitat for Humanity builds in the Indianapolis area.
These volunteer efforts were part of a larger initiative funded by a $2.5 million commitment made by the NCAA in 2018 to support Habitat for Humanity. The builds provided the athletes, representing all three NCAA divisions, a chance to give back to the community while also building bonds with their teammates and peers.
The projects were not just about hammering nails and raising walls, however. They were a hands-on learning experience with a variety of tools and construction techniques. The athletes quickly became adept with power drills, buzz saws and various other tools.
"Add that to the resume," joked Brandon Smith, a football player at UIndy.
More powerful than any tool the athletes learned to wield, however, was how the opportunity brought joy to their lives.
For Nate Kaiser, a track and field and cross country athlete from IUPUI, the opportunity reignited a personal connection to Habitat for Humanity.
"Growing up, my dad took me to Habitat for Humanity (builds). So it's just something I was super passionate about," Kaiser said. "When the opportunity presented itself to be part of it, I just signed up and was really excited to do it."
Kaiser's enthusiasm for the organization was palpable, especially when he was able to connect it to the importance of community support.
"The community here in Indianapolis has been nothing but supportive of IUPUI athletics. I'm so grateful to be able to give back in this way," he said, also emphasizing the broader impact of community involvement beyond sports. "I think whenever you get into sport, you don't always understand that there are so many people on the outside helping you. Whenever those people come in and say, 'Hey, we have these opportunities to help other people out,' that's what it's all about."
Kaiser's experience with Habitat for Humanity was enriching on multiple levels.
"Seeing the homeowners … and hearing their story, that's the reason I showed up and why everyone else did, as well," Kaiser said. "It's something way bigger than us. I'm super excited that I had the opportunity to come and be part of something that's again much greater than me."
Nate Matelic, a men's basketball player from Wabash, emphasized the reciprocal nature of community support.
"I think it's important because the community is always there supporting you," he said. "So it's good to give back to the people that are supporting you and what you love to do."
Matelic also highlighted the real-world experience gained through such activities.
"Being in the classroom can only teach you so much," he said. "But getting out in the community and doing things like this is going to set you up for a better future."
Adam Mullett, a football player from Wabash, echoed Matelic's feelings.
"We wouldn't be able to do what we do without the community's support," he said. "So it's something good to recognize because you're doing something greater than yourself."
Brandon Thomas, a UIndy football player, spoke about the mutual benefits of community service.
"The community helps us so much when it comes to academics, supplies in the weight room and just helping us succeed on the field. So it's a good opportunity to help them and show our faces," he said.
Thomas also valued the immediate impact of their work, noting, "I can see that impact right away, which is really nice."
Mitchell Rans, an IUPUI cross country and track and field athlete, expressed how fulfilling the experience was for all the athletes at his build.
"It almost gives us as much joy as competing," he said. "It gives us something to do to help out with our state and our city. It's only right for us to give back to the community that does so much for us."
The collective effort and the shared experiences made a significant impact on the participants, who left with a deeper appreciation for community service and its role in their overall development as athletes and individuals.
"Sports is only around for a small part of your life. Giving back is every day. People need help, so if you can help them, help," Kaiser said. "It's something way bigger than us."
This article originally appeared on the NCAA website here.
