The Saint Francis University Student-Athlete Mentors (SAMs) Program is comprised of student-athletes who act as role models in the realms of leadership, scholarship, and service. The aim is to provide peer-to-peer mentorship for freshmen student-athletes throughout their first-year transition into college. In addition, SAMs outreach extends beyond the walls of the athletics department to serve and positively encourage the youth of the local community.
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Sports 4 Kids Day
Each year, SAMs host an event called Sheetz Sports 4 Kids Day. Children from the surrounding area in grades kindergarten through sixth are invited to Saint Francis University for this FREE event with t-shirts, pizza and prizes distributed to all participants. The kids have an opportunity to play with members of a Red Flash team at each of the sport specific stations. All teams host their own sport station and act as the instructors for their younger guests. The goal is for the kids in the community to not only enjoy the day of fun-filled physical activity, but to also learn about the valuable lessons that sports can provide to them throughout their lives. This event has seen increases in attendance each year, with a record 490 kids last year.
Sports for Kids Day is in memory of Alicia Richardson. As a member of the Saint Francis women's volleyball team for three years, Richardson was beginning a promising career as a teacher at the time of her passing in January 2007. Each day she carried a hard-working, yet positive attitude with her as she juggled playing volleyball, actively participating in the community, and attending education classes. She touched the lives of everyone she met with an amazing ability to make those around her laugh without even the slightest effort.
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Safe Trick-or-Treat Night
Each year, the Student-Athlete Mentors organization hosts a Safe Trick-Or-Treat Night for children in the local community. We began a partnership with a local school district, Penn Cambria, to expand the outreach of this event. Student-athletes from all of our teams decorate the entire department to create a spooktacular experience for our guests. The Saint Francis University Athletics Department welcomed a record 500 kids into the department for this year's event.
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Read Across America Week
As part of the national campaign, SAMs host reading days at local elementary schools for Reach Across America Week. SAMs have expanded their partnership with the Penn Cambria School District through this initiative. SAMs read to all the students in pre-k through sixth grade in the district. SAMs also make a special stop at St. Mikes right here in Loretto. By the end of the week, SAMs have read to more than 900 local children.
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The Jenny, SAMs Student-Athlete of the Year
The Jenny - named in honor of Jennifer (Jen) Fox who was a former graduate assistant and Assistant Director for Student-Athlete Academic Services. Jen was instrumental in making the SAMs program what it is today. Each year “The Jenny” is given to the SAMs Student-Athlete(s) of the Year.
The Jenny, SAMs Rookie of the Year
The Jenny - named in honor of Jennifer (Jen) Fox who was a former graduate assistant and Assistant Director for Student-Athlete Academic Services. Jen was instrumental in making the SAMs program what it is today. Each year “The Jenny” is given to the SAMs Rookie(s) of the Year.
SAMs Hall of Fame
The SAMs Hall of Fame was established in 2013 to recognize student-athletes outstanding service and dedication to the Student-Athlete Mentors Program. Their countless hours have helped to shape the Athletic Department and the entire university.
SAMs Unsung Hero Award
The Unsung Hero Award recognizes a student-athlete who makes a significant contribution to SAMs while also bringing joy to fellow student-athletes. Hard-working, humble, honest, kind and enthusiastic; this individual serves as an inspiration to SAMs. The award recipient should exhibit leadership as a positive role model.
