Marina
For the ninth year in a row, Emporia State University Athletics has proudly secured a position among the top 25 NCAA programs for community service.
In the 2024-25 NCAA Helper Helper Final Report, Emporia State ranked 15th nationally, demonstrating its ongoing dedication to giving back.
The Hornets accumulated over 7,800 hours of verified community service, with three of their sports programs earning national championships in the Helper Helper rankings.
About the Helper Helper Service Challenge
The Helper Helper NCAA Service Challenge is a competitive initiative that measures the community engagement of student-athletes from NCAA Divisions I, II, and III.
Rankings are determined based on two key metrics: the total service hours per student-athlete and team participation rates.
The competition is open to all NCAA-affiliated schools through the Helper Helper platform and highlights institutions that go above and beyond in fostering volunteerism and civic involvement.
Emporia State’s Community Engagement Impact
A total of 364 student-athletes from Emporia State participated in over 30 different outreach activities, accumulating 7,844 hours of community service. These efforts supported the Emporia community and nearby areas, with notable events including:
- High Five Fridays at local elementary schools
- Downtown cleanup with Emporia Main Street
- Blood Cancer Awareness campaigns
- SAAC Easter Eggstravaganza Hunt
- Special Olympics Polar Plunge
- Laps for Landon
- Special Athletics Track & Field Day
National Champions in Multiple Sports
Emporia State achieved the #1 national ranking in the Helper Helper standings for their football, softball, and women’s soccer teams.
Football: Second National Title
The Hornet football team earned its second Helper Helper national championship, repeating its previous success from the 2020-21 season.
Head Coach Garin Higgins emphasized the mutual support between the football program and the community, stating, “Supporting our community is a core part of our football culture. I’m proud of how our players continually step up.”
Softball: First-Ever Top Finish
Despite previous top-five placements, this year marked the first national championship for the Emporia State softball team in the softball-only category.
Coach April Rosales praised the team’s commitment, saying, “These women are more than athletes—they’re community leaders. Their effort and attitude make a lasting impact beyond the field.”
Soccer: Historic Milestone
This was the first national service title for the women’s soccer program, with Coach Jane Grimly-Gunn reflecting, “We’re proud of our performance on the field, but even more so of the example we set off it. This recognition proves our players are focused on the bigger picture.”
Impressive Rankings Across Other Teams
Several additional Emporia State teams achieved high national rankings in community service:
| Sport | National Rank |
|---|---|
| Women’s Basketball | 3rd |
| Baseball | 5th |
| Women’s Tennis | 5th |
| Men’s Basketball | 7th |
| Volleyball | 10th |
Team Participation and Service Hours Breakdown
Every team at Emporia State contributed to the overall service effort, averaging at least nine hours per athlete. Noteworthy highlights include:
| Team | Total Hours | Avg. per Athlete |
|---|---|---|
| Softball | 1,074 hours | 57 hours |
| Women’s Soccer | 1,130 hours | 45 hours |
| Football | 1,749 hours | 17 hours |
Overall, the athletics department saw a 63% participation rate across more than 400 student-athletes, with baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, football, softball, soccer, and volleyball all achieving 100% team participation.
Nationwide Community Service Impact
The Helper Helper competition included nearly 54,000 NCAA student-athletes, who collectively logged an impressive 610,216 hours of volunteer service during the 2024-25 academic year, demonstrating the broad and lasting impact of collegiate sports programs on communities nationwide.
Emporia State University continues to lead with purpose—both in athletics and in community service. With multiple national championships and thousands of volunteer hours, the Hornets exemplify the power of student-athletes to make a meaningful difference beyond competition.
Their achievements underscore a culture rooted in giving back, teamwork, and setting an example for future generations.