SUNO Athletics Kicks Off New Year with Community Service, Continuing Champions of Character Legacy

Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) Department of Athletics is once again proving that its impact extends far beyond the court and field. Just weeks after earning its second consecutive National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Champions of Character Five-Star Gold Institution honor, the Knights kicked off the new academic year by rolling up their sleeves and serving others through a series of meaningful community service events.

In mid-July, SUNO Men's Basketball embodied the true spirit of service when they came to the aid of a local resident whose moving crew never arrived. The Knights became the lifeline she needed, moving her across town and even helping set up her furniture in her new home. Overwhelmed with gratitude, the woman shared, "I couldn't believe it when they showed up. These young men and coaches didn't just move boxes—they moved with kindness, patience, and smiles. I will never forget what they did for me."

On July 31, SUNO Women's Volleyball and Women's Basketball teams lent their support to the Louisiana Children's Museum's Third Annual Kindergarten Kickoff. The event was designed to prepare incoming kindergarteners with the tools and skills they need to succeed in the classroom. The Knights assisted children with interactive activities such as Jumpin' Jackets, Amazing Lacing, Snip, Snip Hooray, Glue-to-Do, Cafeteria Can-Dos, School Bus Practice, and We Scribblin'. Their energy and encouragement brought joy to the families in attendance and helped ease the transition for students entering their first year of school.

SUNO baseball also made an early impact, assisting with preparations at The Castle, the home of SUNO Athletics and its indoor sports, by helping hang signage and contributing to creating a spirited environment for athletes and fans alike.

To round out the summer of service, men's basketball joined forces with the Alpha Beta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., PEPSICO, DePaul Community Health Centers, and the GNO-ABO Charitable & Educational Foundation, Inc. for a large-scale community event. On Saturday, August 23, the groups distributed over 3,000 cases of bottled water to Greater New Orleans residents at DePaul Community Health Centers. With hurricane season underway and extreme heat impacting the area, the effort provided essential relief to hundreds of families.

Director of Athletics and Men's Basketball Head Coach James A. Matthews, III praised the Knights' commitment to service, emphasizing how it reflects SUNO Athletics' core values:
"SUNO Athletics believes being a Knight means more than winning games—it means uplifting others. These young men and women continue to show that character, compassion, and service are at the heart of who we are as a program. I'm proud of how they've started this year, and I know they'll keep carrying that spirit forward."

From helping a neighbor in need to supporting children, strengthening their own campus, and assisting with critical community relief, SUNO Athletics is proving once again that their championship culture is built on much more than sports—it's built on character.

For more information about SUNO Athletics, visit sunoathletics.com.

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