Marina
Emporia State University Athletics has once again proven its deep commitment to community engagement, securing a top 25 national ranking for the ninth consecutive year.
The Hornets finished 15th in the 2024–25 NCAA Helper Helper Service Challenge, a nationwide competition that tracks community service efforts across NCAA Division I, II, and III institutions.
Notably, three Emporia State athletic programs—football, softball, and women’s soccer—claimed national championships in community service.
What is the NCAA Helper Helper Challenge?
The NCAA Helper Helper Challenge is a prestigious nationwide competition that measures community involvement among student-athletes. Rankings are based on:
- Total volunteer hours per student-athlete
- Team participation rate
The challenge is open to all NCAA-affiliated schools, celebrating programs that show exceptional commitment to volunteerism and social responsibility.
Emporia State’s 2024–25 Community Impact
Over 7,844 validated service hours were contributed by 364 Hornet student-athletes, participating in more than 30 diverse outreach initiatives. Activities included:
- High Five Fridays at local elementary schools
- Downtown clean-up efforts with Emporia Main Street
- Special Olympics Polar Plunge
- Laps for Landon
- SAAC Easter Eggstravaganza
- Salvation Army Teddy Bear Toss
- And Special Athletics Track & Field Day
National Rankings for Emporia State Teams
Emporia State proudly secured the #1 national rank for:
- Football
- Softball
- Women’s Soccer
Additionally, the softball team ranked third among all Division II women’s sports, marking a historic finish.
Coach Testimonials: Leadership Beyond the Game
Coach Garin Higgins (Football)
“The support we receive from the Emporia community is incredible. Giving back is part of our team’s culture. I’m proud of how our players represented us this year.”
Coach April Rosales (Softball)
“Our motto is ‘Family Over Everything,’ and that includes our community. These women are more than athletes—they’re change-makers.”
Coach Jane Grimly-Gunn (Women’s Soccer)
“While on-field success matters, making an off-field impact is just as important. This national title reflects our players’ values.”
Breakdown of Hours and Participation
| Sport | Total Hours | Average Hours Per Athlete | Team Participation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Football | 1,749.75 | 17 | 100% |
| Softball | 1,074 | 57 | 100% |
| Women’s Soccer | 1,130 | 45 | 100% |
| Women’s Basketball | — | — | 100% |
| Baseball | — | — | 100% |
| Men’s Basketball | — | — | 100% |
| Volleyball | — | — | 100% |
Overall Departmental Participation:
- 63% of Emporia State’s 400+ student-athletes contributed
- Several teams achieved 100% participation
National Competition Highlights
Nearly 54,000 student-athletes across the NCAA divisions participated in the 2024–25 Helper Helper Challenge, logging a total of 610,216 service hours.
Top 25 NCAA Division II Community Service Rankings (2024–25)
| Rank | Institution |
|---|---|
| 1 | Coker |
| 2 | Southern Arkansas |
| 3 | Georgian Court |
| 15 | Emporia State |
| … | … |
| 25 | Southern Nazarene |
Emporia State: A History of Excellence in Service
| Year | Overall Rank | Team Champions |
|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 15th | Football, Softball, Women’s Soccer |
| 2023–24 | 25th | — |
| 2022–23 | 11th | Baseball, Men’s Basketball |
| 2021–22 | 6th | Men’s Basketball |
| 2020–21 | 4th | Football |
Emporia State University continues to set a gold standard in collegiate community service, blending athletic excellence with a heart for giving back. With top national rankings, unwavering team participation, and thousands of service hours, the Hornets are not just athletes—they’re changemakers. Their efforts serve as a model for how sports programs can deeply enrich the communities they belong to.