ATLANTA- When the No. 18 Sandy Panthers are not busy with conditioning, skills training, competing, or studying to achieve their 3.96 GPA, the team takes time to give back to the Atlanta community. Although only two players on this year's roster are from the Peach State, the team is determined to leave Georgia State's community better than when they stepped on campus. 

Over the past couple years the team has participated in several community initiatives. Each year the group hosts a toy drive over the holidays. All gifts are donated to the Atlanta Children Shelter located in downtown Atlanta, right in State's backyard. The Sandy Panthers have made sandwiches and distributed them to those in need around the community. In 2018, they spent a weekend building a house with Habitat for Humanity. In addition, the team frequently volunteers with Panther Fit.

"It is inspiring to work with young women who are driven to serve others," said head coach Beth Van Fleet. "Bailey (Hatchett) and our team events committee have provided multiple opportunities to help teammates serve our community."


Two Sandy Panthers in particular have invested ample time in the community. Bailey Hatchett, a rising junior from Winston-Salem, N.C., is Georgia State's first student-athlete and Presidential Scholar. During one of her first-year honors classes, she decided to develop a partnership between the Honors College, GSU Athletic Department, and local elementary schools. In her sophomore year this initiative expanded to middle and high schools. The program focuses on tutoring, mentoring, and celebrating local youth. Currently, around fifty GSU student-athletes join Hatchett in her efforts. The Spanish and international business double major was recognized as an Institute for Sport and Social Justice Playmaker of the Month this past March for her community involvement. 

"I think it is so important to give back to our community and find ways to be involved," said Hatchett. 


Kaylee McClure, a Georgia native, also spends her free time volunteering with children. Every Sunday she volunteers with third graders at her church. She helps with set-up, plans lessons for the group, and participates in activities with them. In her role, the children in her group come to her for advice and to discuss their hardships. She has learned how to comfort those who need it and how to serve as their role model. 

In addition, she has spent every summer since 2017 volunteer beach volleyball coaching. She helps lead practices and conditioning sessions three to four times a week. On the weekends, the rising senior travels to matches and tournaments with her team. 

"My favorite part of coaching is seeing my players win their first match," said McClure. "Their face after winning a match or even doing a new skill is priceless and warms my heart"

Volunteer coaching has even helped her grow as a player. It has changed her outlook on how she plays and has shown her how she can improve as a player by truly listening to her coaches. It has also given her an extra appreciation for the patience each of her coaches has had during her career.
  

"Connecting with our community is more important now than ever before," said Van Fleet. "I look forward to being involved with the increased effort to support our Atlanta community in the upcoming years."