Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and the Department of
Athletics have been proud to host P.L.A.Y. (Pirates Leading Area
Youth) Day on campus. Hampton University’s student-athletes understand
that in order to compete at the collegiate level, well-trained
athletes must hold academics, as well as respect for one’s athletic
program and community, to a higher standard.
This year’s P.L.A.Y. Day was held on Friday, April 8.
P.L.A.Y. Day allows for student-athletes to interact with youth from
the community, specifically from Girls, Inc. of the Greater Peninsula
and the Boys Leadership Academy. These children are given the
opportunity to show their athletic ability, learn about different
sports, and most importantly the chance to have fun.
“P.L.A.Y. Day was a wonderful for way for the kids to engage in the
activities Hampton offered,” Tiya Ravens, program director for Girls,
inc., said. “The partnership between a university and a nonprofit
organization is very unique.”
P.L.A.Y. Day activities included bowling, golf, tennis, cheerleading,
basketball, volleyball, kickball, football, track & field and
softball. Each child received the opportunity to participate in three
of the above activities.
“SAAC loves to give back to the community who supports us,” Dyrri
McCain, SAAC president, said.
P.L.A.Y. Day is held in honor of and in the loving memory of the late
Theo Smalling, a former basketball player and honorary graduate of
Hampton University. As a member of SAAC, Smalling served on the
Community Service Committee and wanted to ensure that student-athletes
gave back to the cities of Hampton and Newport News.
For more information on Hampton University athletics, please call the
Office of Sports Information at (757) 727-5811, or visit the official
Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.