TROY, Ala. — When tragedy struck, the Troy Trojans were there to answer the call. In September, when Louisiana experienced flooding that killed 13 and damaged the homes of 146,000, all of Troy’s athletic teams partnered with officials at the University and the community to collect donations for the victims.

Troy Athletic Director Jeremy McClain told Troy News that his intent was to fill up an entire Semi-Truck with supplies – a goal the student-athletes worked hard to achieve.

But this was not a one-and-done instance of charity. Giving-back has become ingrained in the culture at Troy thanks to the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. The SAAC exists to prepare student-athletes for lifelong learning and global citizenship through the promotion of academic, athletic, professional, and personal growth. Through the committee, student-athletes participate in community service year-round.

It does not take something as large as a flood to get the students involved. Troy’s athletes take pride in doing the little things, too.

In September alone, student athletes at the University have greeted children at elementary schools, spent time at the local Boys and Girls Club, visited the Noble Manor Nursing Home, helped clean up litter, visited the Christian Love Center, cared for rescued dogs at Precious Paws, and tutored young students.

Troy University athletes compete in 18 different sports at the Division I-A level. The school is a member of the Sun Belt Conference, which also includes the University of South Alabama.