Lions softball team goes to bat for a local family in need


In December, TCNJ’s softball players and coaches worked together to gather, purchase, and wrap holiday gifts for a mother, father, and two children who reside in Ewing, NJ.

Words by TCNJ's editorial staff

When Head Coach Sally Miller and The College of New Jersey softball team learned about a local family that had fallen on hard times, they decided to unite and make a difference.

In December, Miller and 18 Lions softball players worked together to gather, purchase, and wrap holiday gifts for a mother, father, and two children who reside in Ewing, NJ. While there is no better sight for children than seeing packages topped with bows, the contingent of TCNJ student-athletes also provided a family with the gift of hope, gift of faith, and gift of giving.

“There is no better feeling than helping people, especially when times are tough and young children are involved,” Miller said. “I know for a least one day this family experienced some joy and perhaps forgot (for at least awhile) the tough times they are experiencing.”

A combination of health issues and employment disability had placed the family of four in a precarious position. When the circumstances were brought to the attention of Miller, she called a meeting with her players.

The softball team, along with the majority of athletic programs at TCNJ, annually participates in charity and fundraising efforts, especially during the holidays. This situation, however, was different in that it took on a more personal feel. Gift lists from the children were collected and the players went to work with an eye toward checking off each item.

“The team was excited when we first learned about the opportunity to help a family in need,” said senior Caitlyn Seamster, the first baseman for TCNJ. “The family sent us their Christmas list and each player signed up for an item. We understand some families can go through so times that are unfortunate, and we did everything in our power to get the girls each item on their wish list.”

The Lions softball team didn’t meet with the family when the gifts were presented. One of the children is a firm believer in Santa Claus, and the parents wanted their youngest to maintain her purist spirit of the season. The team did meet one family member after the holidays, when one child attended TCNJ’s softball clinic held on campus in January.

“This year was special to us because one of the daughters plays softball, so we felt a connection to her,” noted senior Colleen Cawley, who plays outfield for the Lions. “We wanted to make the holiday season special for this family and hope they sensed that they have a group of people here that care about them.”

Opening day doesn’t arrive until early March for the 2011 TCNJ softball team, but they’ve already notched one victory this season. Rather than sitting on the bench while a family entered the holiday season consumed with thoughts of misfortune, the Lions rallied to touch a home with their hearts.