Mizzou Student-Athletes Lead SEC in Community Service During 2025-26 Academic Year
6/10/2026 9:00:00 AM | General
Tigers contributed more than 7,700 hours across Mid-Missouri and beyond.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou student-athletes continued to demonstrate their commitment to service and leadership throughout the 2025-26 academic year, contributing more than 7,700 hours of community service across 40 organizations while generating an estimated economic impact of $280,425.
The Tigers' efforts earned national recognition, as Missouri finished No. 16 among all NCAA Division I institutions in the annual Helper Helper Community Service Rankings and led the Southeastern Conference with the No. 1 ranking in the league.
Several Mizzou programs also ranked among the nation's leaders in community engagement, including wrestling (No. 1), gymnastics (No. 5), women's golf (No. 5), women's track & field/cross country (No. 7), soccer (No. 7), men's track & field/cross country (No. 8), women's swimming & diving (No. 8), men's swimming & diving (No. 8) and men's golf (No. 10).
Throughout the year, Mizzou student-athletes partnered with organizations across the Columbia community and beyond, including Special Olympics Missouri, Columbia Public Schools, The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri, ForColumbia, the Volunteer Action Center's Adopt-A-Family program, Coyote Hill, Show-Me State Games, The Crossing, Granny's House and many others.
"Seeing our student-athletes pursue opportunities beyond their sport and invest in the community is incredibly rewarding," said Katie Martinez, Assistant Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Development. "Their commitment reflects the depth of their leadership and their desire to make an impact on causes greater than themselves. While competing at the highest level and balancing the demands of academics is already a full-time commitment, they continue to find ways to serve others and strengthen the communities that support them."
One of the year's most impactful student-led initiatives was a department-wide donation drive benefiting True North of Columbia, organized by senior track and field/cross country student-athlete Elissa Barnard. After meeting with organization leaders to identify its greatest needs, Barnard coordinated a collection effort that brought together student-athletes, coaches and staff from across the department.
"It was really special to see teammates and other Mizzou staff and athletes support my idea and passion by donating," Barnard said.
Barnard said she was inspired to support True North after learning more about the organization's mission to serve survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
"I feel really passionately about the work that they do, and Columbia is a really special place to me, so this felt like a way I could support a community that has done such a good job supporting me," Barnard said.
Mizzou student-athletes also strengthened their growing partnership with Columbia Public Schools during the academic year. Volunteers participated in classroom visits, reading programs, lunch and recess mentorship opportunities, field trips and school events, serving 19 of the district's 21 elementary schools while contributing more than 750 hours of service.
"Our Partners In Education (PIE) partnership with Mizzou Athletics has made a meaningful impact on Columbia Public Schools and the students we serve," said Molly Delgado, CPS Community Relations Manager and PIE Program Coordinator. "Through their support and volunteerism, Mizzou student-athletes have engaged with students across our district in ways that are both memorable and inspiring.Whether participating in spirit parades, canned food drives, delivering morning announcements, serving as celebrity guest readers, joining field days or speaking at school assemblies, these student-athletes have provided positive role models who encourage our students to dream big, work hard and stay engaged in their education.
"Their presence has created meaningful connections with our students, fostered school spirit and inspired the next generation to pursue their goals with confidence. We are grateful for this partnership and the positive impact it continues to have on our schools, students and families."
Student-athletes also dedicated significant time to supporting pediatric patients and families through weekly visits at MU Children's Hospital, Caleb's Pitch, Playing 4 Hope and other hospital-based initiatives designed to provide encouragement and connection during difficult circumstances.
During the holiday season, the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee expanded its annual Adopt-A-Family initiative through the Volunteer Action Center. Mizzou student-athletes collected, wrapped and delivered gifts for 24 local families, supporting 121 individuals and helping create a memorable holiday season for families throughout the community.
Missouri's partnership with Columbia Parks and Recreation Adaptive Sports and Special Olympics Missouri also continued to grow, resulting in more than 900 hours of service throughout the year.
"Columbia Parks and Recreation Adaptive Sports is incredibly fortunate to partner with so many wonderful volunteer organizations," said Tyler Armstrong, Adapted Recreation Specialist for the City of Columbia. "In particular, Mizzou Athletics has had a profound impact on our athletes, families and the program as a whole. "As our program grows, the dedicated support of these student volunteers ensures that every adapted athlete receives the help and attention they deserve. The shared joy and excitement between our athletes and volunteers are truly special, and we look forward to growing our relationship with Mizzou Athletics. On behalf of all our coaches, athletes and families, thank you to Mizzou Athletics for contributing an incredible 900 hours of service this past year."
The accomplishments of the 2025-26 academic year reflect the ongoing commitment of Mizzou student-athletes to serve, lead and create meaningful change throughout the communities they call home.
BY THE NUMBERS
- 7,700+ community service hours completed
- 40 organizations served
- $280,425 estimated economic impact
- No. 1 in the SEC in community service
- No. 16 nationally among NCAA Division I institutions
- 121 individuals supported through Adopt-A-Family
- 750+ hours with Columbia Public Schools
- 900+ hours with Special Olympics Missouri and City of Columbia Adaptive Sports
- 146 hours serving patients at MU Children's Hospital
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