General | April 24, 2021

AIKEN, S.C. – The University of South Carolina Aiken Department of Athletics was recently recognized by the school for the Best Overall Community Service Project at the 2021 Student Life Leadership Banquet.

On Oct. 15, 2020, the University of South Carolina Aiken Department of Athletics partnered with Golden Harvest Food Bank and the Aiken County Sheriff's Office to give back to the community.

Student-athletes from each of the 10 sports, in addition to the Spirit Squad, coaches and administrators, assisted in the food distribution event. With an extensive line of vehicles at the USC Aiken Convocation Center, a second truck carrying food arrived and was also unloaded during the four-hour event.

"I loved seeing how much the community was able to pull together to bring in so much food this year. It really shows how giving and tight knit the Aiken community really is – along with their willingness to come together when people are in need. It was something so awesome and encouraging to be a part of."

Alie Smith, SAAC President and senior volleyball player
 
"To be able to reach that many people in a small amount of time with such an important need was just fantastic to do .... and I mean [the athletes] went above and beyond, that was what impressed me the most."

Justin Glessner, Director of Operations

"I loved being able to help serve the people in our community. It was very eye-opening to see how many people in Aiken needed help and to be able to assist them and give back during this time was a great experience. It means a lot to give back to our amazing community."

Katelyn Powell, senior softball player