The Our Lady of the Lake (OLLU) women's soccer team has consistently excelled both on the field and in the classroom, but in recent years the team has expanded their commitment to the sport to far greater avenues with their participation in community programs, such as TopSoccer and the YWCA youth soccer organization.

This past weekend, the Saints took part in US Youth Soccer's annual TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) event, which provides athletes with disabilities, both physical and mental, with the chance to play and learn from some of the best coaches and players in the area. At the event, the OLLU women's soccer team were each paired with one of the 50 participating athletes and tasked to help coach their athlete through drills and activities, while continuing to foster hard work through encouragement and fun.

Teegan Luckemeyer (SR/New Braunfels, Texas), who has participated in the event each year said, "It's always a great experience for me. The athlete's that come bring such positivity and love that it makes me remember why I play soccer -- for the love of the game and the people that I play with."

In addition to their work with TOPSoccer, the women's and men's soccer teams have also continued their partnership with the YWCA youth soccer organization in order to help provide young inner city athletes with the opportunity advance their ability their soccer ability through hard work and fun. Each Tuesday and Thursday evening, the men and women are in charge of creating drills, coaching the athletes, and constructing an environment where athletes of all ages can succeed.

Katherine Murtagh-Huerta (JR/San Antonio, Texas) said, "It's a great way for young kids to get exposed to sports at a young age to help build good character! I love helping them because you can tell that they really look up to you for guidance and I love leaching them about the sport that's been so important in my life."

For more information on TOPSoccer or the YWCA youth soccer organization, please visit the US Youth Soccer website and local YWCA for more information on programs in your area.