IRSC Women’s Softball Team Scores Community Service Home Run with Port St. Lucie Police Department

September 25, 2023 Jon Pine

PORT ST. LUCIE—At Indian River State College, service to the community is not an afterthought, it’s an integral part of a student’s academic journey. From community service projects to full business internships, IRSC students are encouraged to interact with the community in a positive and mutually beneficial way.

IRSC Women's Softball

Port St. Lucie Police Chief Richard Del Toro, left, and other police command staff were presented submarine sandwiches and dessert by IRSC Women's Softball team members, in front from left, Ariana Murilla, Presley Smith, Dora Santoyo, Mackenzie Masternak, Hanna Deschambault, and Coach Kasey Cox.

This month, for example, officers and personnel with the Port St. Lucie Police Department received some sweet and tasty recognition on September 11 when IRSC’s women’s softball team joined Treasure Coast Urgent Care and Live Hearty medical services to provide lunch and dessert for the entire department.

In addition to providing much appreciated sustenance to the community’s appreciative first responders, the team members receive community service credits toward their course requirements, along with a tour of Port St. Lucie Police Department’s facilities, and gained something positive to add to their curriculum vitae.

The officers and staff were fed submarine sandwiches from Jimmy John’s and cupcakes for dessert. In addition to providing much appreciated sustenance to the community’s appreciative first responders, the team members receive community service credits toward their course requirements and something substantial to add to their curriculum vitae.

“Community service is a valuable component to a well-rounded education,” said Stephanie Skidmore, Associate Athletic Director for IRSC. “I love to see our teams getting involved in local projects that give back to our community. I believe the experiences truly benefit all parties.”

Future community service project ideas for the team include an ice cream social at a local nursing home and volunteering at an animal shelter, said Kasey Cox, the team’s Assistant Coach. “Community projects are really great for our team because it allows the team to be a part of something outside of school,” Cox said. “We feel that, as college athletes, we have a platform to be able to serve our community. The community not only gets to know our team better, but they learn more about IRSC.”

Sophomore Mackenzie Masternak, who pitches for the team, said “There’s no better reward than giving back to the community. Thank you to the officers for taking the time and showing us the facility.” Masternak is a Sparta, New Jersey native.

Infielder Ari Murillo, also a sophomore, hails from Tampa, Florida. “I am very grateful to have been there to support the officers,” Murillo said. “They have a tough job to do and should know that they are appreciated for what they do each day.”