BY KEITH HENJA
GoPSUsports.com
he Lady Lions remain focused while on the basketball court, reducing their world down to the 94 feet by 50 feet wooden floor on which they play.
However, when they step off the court and into their community, they become part of something that is much bigger than they are.
Since Rene Portland came to Penn State 27 years ago, giving back to the community has been a major goal for the women??s basketball program. She says she follows the credo, ??To whom much is given, much is expected,?? and expects her players to abide by it too.
The Lady Lions have consistently met this goal. They won the CHAMPS (CHallenging Athletes' Minds for Personal Success) Service Cup award last year for leading Penn State athletics in community service.
The women??s basketball program, the local residents of State College and the student-athletes all benefit from the community outreach activities in which the Lady Lions participate.
In the Ninth Annual Edie Hall Cancer Walk-a-Thon this past year, the team raised a total of $7,019 to aid in the fight against cancer. The program continues to grow, gaining local media coverage, student awareness and community involvement.
Portland sees no limit to what her team and the Penn State community can accomplish together.
??We walked for two hours this year and raised over 7,000 dollars,?? she said. ??Let??s see how much we can raise if we walk for eight hours.??
To the Lady Lions, community service is not all about fundraising. They are involved directly with the residents of State College as well.
A majority of the loyal Lady Lions fans are State College natives. By reaching out and spending time with them, the team members are thanking the community for their continual support. This creates a positive relationship between the athletes and their fans, allowing them to identify with the players on a more personal level.
One way the Lady Lions accomplish this is by participating in the Day of Caring. Penn State teams up with United Way and provides hands on assistance to local residents and businesses annually.
The Dinner at the Village is another experience in which the players get a chance to interact with local residents that live in Toftrees. Many of the residents have been Lady Lion fans for years; they are fixtures in the Bryce Jordan Center at every home game. The team likes to return the favor.
The relationship between the Lady Lions and the community is reciprocal. The unique experiences the players gain from their interactions cannot be found on the court.
Every fall and spring, the team participates in the Easter Seals Therapeutic Horseback Riding Program. The players spend time with children who have disabilities and help them enjoy a day of horseback riding.
??The exposure to adversity can teach them that adversity has its upsides,?? said Portland.
While the children look up to the players, the players have a lot to learn from the children as well.
The university??s mission for its students parallels Portland??s objective for her players: to develop a selfless attitude. As she puts it, ??It??s not about you!??
Portland is true to her statement in her own life. Aside from raising three children of her own, she has taken in various foster children and coached hundreds of players.
??I??ve always seen my team as an extension of my family,?? she said.
She also looks after Rene??s Dunkers. There are the approximately 300 kids who come to the games and sit behind the East basket. The relationship between the Dunkers and the Lady Lion program is mutually beneficial. The kids get to hang out with basketball stars, take home souvenirs and be involved in the game experience.
However, Rene??s Dunkers give back to the program in ways in which they are not even aware. Their contribution to the overall morale is immeasurable. They act as catalysts to the rest of the fans, which in turn, inspires the players on the court.
Junior Kamela Gissendanner, who majors in rehabilitation services, has seen the community service that she has taken part in as a valuable learning experience.
??[Community service] makes all of us feel really good that we could be a help to someone that may not be as fortunate as others or to help those that simply need help,?? Gissendanner said. ??We are not just known for basketball alone; we are also known for getting out into the community and helping others.??
Players come and go, but community service always remains a staple in the Lady Lion basketball program.
??We talk about [community service] in recruiting. The players come here knowing about it,?? said Portland. ??It??s part of being a Lady Lion.??