Seahawks Stay Connected With Stories

WILMINGTON, North Carolina – Seeking a way to connect with area elementary school students during COVID-19, several UNCW student-athletes are reaching out through "Storytime with the Seahawks."

The Seahawks are assisting area teachers meet instructional challenges by reading each Friday via Zoom in the coming weeks.

Women's tennis standout Rachel Marthinsen, an accounting major, kickstarted the project following a brainstorming session by members of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). The Charlotte, N.C., senior began the initiative by reading to students at nearby Belville Elementary School in Leland last week.

"The idea of a virtual 'circle time' with kids was tossed about in a brainstorming session and we discussed it in my community service subcommittee meeting," Marthinsen explained.

"The goal of the program is to stay connected and involved with the community while our competitions are on pause. It's tough not seeing our supporters and being able to compete for them right now, but we want to do our best to keep the Seahawk Family strongly connected. Also, some of them look up to us, and we aim to inspire the kids to get involved with sports and do their best in school."

Marthinsen's debut as a reader was everything she expected and was well-received.

"My first reading with the class was fantastic," she said. "Everyone was very inviting. Every child had their own computer and was on the call. They were clearly familiar with the technology - they stayed on mute while I was reading, and when I was done, they quickly came off mute to ask questions. Although it's different from what we're all used to, we still need to recognize how fortunate we are to have this platform and use it to give back.

"The children were very engaged and were super appreciative that I was able to read to them. They had a few questions afterward about tennis that I was happy to answer as well."

The Seahawks received the books from the school's library. Another reading session is scheduled for this Friday by SAAC members.
Jennifer Jetton, second grade teacher at Belville Elementary School, said the participation by UNCW student-athletes left a big impression.

"What a wonderful experience it was," said Jetton. "My students loved having the Seahawk student-athletes visit with our class and read to them. They continually ask when they will be coming back."

Marthinsen added: "It not only allows for us to contribute something positive in the world during these uncertain times, but retains the community connection we value. We love having a local fan base and want to stay engaged while giving back, no matter how big or small. Not to mention seeing the smiling kids excited and eager to talk with us makes our day better as well."

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Seahawks Stay Connected With Stories