NOTRE DAME, Ind. - While the 2020-21 competitive season for the Saint Mary's cross country team may have been halted before it was ever able to take off, the Belles reached a whole new level of success as a team in their effort to fund-raise for the YWCA of North Central Indiana.

 

"As a team, we wanted to be able to do something for an organization knowing that at the time we could not physically serve at an organization due to COVID-19 restrictions," said head coach Jackie Bauters. "Since organizations were hit hard during COVID, we felt that this was an opportunity to help an organization when donations might be down to financial strains. We just wanted to help and do something together as a team when we were allowed to do so little together. Without having a season, it was one way to stay motivated, connected and feel a sense of purpose throughout a tough year."

 

For Bauters and the cross country team, the YWCA of North Central Indiana was the perfect fit. As the team talked through a few questions to discern what organization they wanted to assist, the group knew they wanted to help women in the local area. Coupled with April being Sexual Assault Awareness Month and first-hand stories shared in the Observer this past spring, the team set their sights on a Run-A-Thon for the local YWCA chapter.

Members of the team reached out for donations and pledges last spring as each runner committed to a week-long effort of logging miles for the run-a-thon. An anonymous donor set a matching pledge for $5,000 to help the Belles on their way to an astounding donation of $14,287 to the YWCA.

 

"This fundraiser meant so much to all of us because after such a difficult and tumultuous year for everyone, we wanted to spread some love and hope," said Anna DeMars '23. "Going to Saint Mary's and being surrounded by so many strong women who chose to share their stories of sexual assault and harassment, we wanted to share our support with other women in the surrounding community to show that they aren't alone. Even though it may not feel like it, their voices are heard and valid. So many people felt alone and hopeless after 2020, and I think it was so rewarding and empowering for the team to see that one of our passions, running, could bring hope and empowerment to other women."

 

"Being able to participate in the Run-A-Thon with my team for the YMCA of North Central Indiana was truly a special experience," added Amanda Tracy '24. "It felt amazing to be able to run and give back to the women in our community who need and deserve our support most. With it being a team effort, we worked well together to encourage and motivate one another throughout the week to reach our goal."

 

"I'm so proud of the team," added Bauters. "Seeing them connect to something meaningful and bigger than themselves, working together as a team, all of it was just wonderful."

 

For more on the YWCA of North Central Indiana, visit their website.