Griffon Lacrosse players taking a stand against rare diseases
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Two student-athletes playing for Missouri Western State University's Griffon Lacrosse team are using their impact off the field to assist those in real-life situations.
Ava Garaway, starting goalie for MoWest's Lacrosse team, connected deeply with the program while searching for a college after finishing high school in Thousand Oaks, California. She was impressed by the Griffons' facilities and the small-town atmosphere versus Division I schools that showed interest in her.
During her time at MoWest, she's been inspired to do her best as a student-athlete. This includes engaging in community service, something she has always held dear.
"I was a part of a club for LA Children's Hospital in LA, and with that, we would just make little baggies or set up things for them," Garaway shared. "Just to make them know that there's somebody there for them."
This season, she found a new cause: TeamU, a national nonprofit founded in 2007 that assists Americans with rare diseases not supported by FDA funding. TeamU aims to empower student athletes to help through fundraising and to develop leadership skills for use on and off the field.
Garaway isn't just making saves for the Griffons, but each save also raises money for the TeamU (Uplifting Athletes) drive. So far this season, she's raised over $250 toward her $600 goal.
"Being an athlete at a higher level, we have a great opportunity to have our voices heard and really shout it out from the top," she said. "Every game, every loss appears on our record and stat sheet. But we don't really get to give back to the community or let people whose voices aren't heard know they're supported."
Her passion for using play to impact both the win column and society has caught her team's interest, especially that of roommate and fellow Mid-Fielder, Griffon Lacrosse and SAAC member Clare Sondrall.
Sondrall has joined Garaway to offer more opportunities for MoWest student-athletes. Through this program, students can learn leadership skills and use their abilities to give back.
Sondrall, like Garaway, found a home at MoWest not just for athletics but also for community. She finds great joy in events like "Griffs Giving Gifts," a drive by MoWest SAAC that helps the AFL-CIO's Adopt-A-Family program.
She intends to dive into the TeamU program and use her reach through SAAC and other organizations to introduce it to more student-athletes on campus.
"I think as an athlete, it's very important to like put your name brand out there, but being able to do it for a more significant cause is what's most impactful," Sondrall said. "Finding a way to help as many people as you can while you do it."
Garaway and Sondrall hope their message reaches the community. They want people to think of those who may not have support and to help however they can.
"1 in 10 people are affected, and if you are one of those people, you have people cheering for you," Garaway proudly stated. "You have people at the highest level performing and dedicating their play to you, so you are heard and loved."
Griffon Lacrosse currently has a 4-4 record as of March 27. They play on the road on Saturday, April 4 against Quincy. They will return home for a game with William Jewell on Friday, April 10.
Those interested in Garaway's campaign can click here, and Sondrall's page can be found by clicking here.
