By ALI OVERSTREET
Reporter

(WARRENSBURG, Mo., digitalBURG) — The UCM Literacy Team, comprised of student athletes from multiple sports, is making its annual rounds to local elementary schools.

Mules and Jennies players will be taking time out between practices and games to visit Warrensburg elementary schools and read to children starting Thursday, Oct. 6 and continuing through the month of October. The visits are meant to promote the importance of reading skills to local students.

“As student athletes, it’s very rewarding to realize that little eyes are upon you whether you realize it or not,” said Abby Rhodes, senior forward for Jennies soccer.

The first stop for the UCM Literacy Team will be at Martin Warren Elementary. The team will also read to students at Ridgeview Elementary Thursday, Oct. 13, Maple Grove Elementary Tuesday, Oct. 18, and Sterling Elementary Thursday, Oct. 20.

During these visits, the UCM athletes read to the students from books picked out by school librarians.

Rhodes said the kids really look up to the visiting athletes and to have college students read to them is something they truly look forward to and enjoy.

“They ask funny questions about our favorite color or phone number, it truly brings a smile to my face,” Rhodes said. “One time, I got asked if I could sign their bookmarks and my heart melted.”

Rhodes said the normally aggressive athletes show a much softer sides when they visit the elementary schools.

“It’s awesome to see the guys go from being these extremely masculine athletes to softies in a matter of minutes,” Rhodes said. “As soon as they pick up the book and begin to read the kids eyes light up and you can tell they’re looking at their role model.”