ALBANY, Ga. — Coaches, administrators, and members of the Albany State University football team spent the morning of Friday, March 6, giving back to the community by participating in Read Across America Day at Radium Springs Elementary School.

From 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Golden Rams student-athletes and staff visited classrooms throughout the school, reading with students and emphasizing the importance of literacy, education, and positive role models. The visit provided an opportunity for young learners to engage with ASU student-athletes while reinforcing the value of reading and academic success.

"Being able to step into the classroom and connect with students through reading is special," said Marcus Kendrick, Assistant Athletics Director for Compliance and Student-Athlete Success. "Our student-athletes understand that their platform goes beyond the field. Moments like this allow them to show young people that education, character, and community matter."

The event was coordinated with the support of Mrs. Shemeka Gray, Instructional Coach (Literacy), who invited the Golden Rams to participate as part of the school's Read Across America Day celebration.

"It meant so much for our students to see college student-athletes in their classrooms," said Gray. "They were excited, engaged, and inspired. Experiences like this help our students see what is possible for their future."

For the student-athletes, the morning served as a reminder of the impact they can have in the community.

"Seeing the excitement on the kids' faces when we walked in the room was amazing," said ASU football student-athlete Zha'Lyn Bell. "If we can help encourage them to read and dream a little bigger, then it's time well spent."

Community engagement remains an important part of the Golden Rams culture as Albany State Athletics continues its commitment to developing student-athletes who lead both on campus and in the community.

      


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ABOUT ALBANY STATE ATHLETICS
Albany State University is a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II-level intercollegiate athletic program. The university currently fields teams in 11 sports: women's volleyball, women's tennis, women's cross country, men's and women's basketball, softball, men's and women's track and field, women's soccer, baseball, and football, with all teams competing in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), except women's soccer, which participates in the Peach Belt Conference.