While many coaches take every opportunity in the offseason to rest and reload for the next season, several FAMU women's coaches, trainers and athletics staff members used their time to help others. They all participated in a home build for Big Bend Habitat for Humanity.Meeting at 6:15 a.m. to get a jump on the heat, the ladies were supplied partially through an initiative called "Women Build," which is sponsored by Lowes. Women Build brings together women from all walks of life to address the housing crisis facing millions of women and children worldwide.
Within the athletic department, softball coach Veronica Wiggins led the FAMU effort. "We have a Habitat for Humanity chapter on our campus. In speaking with Phyllis Reeves (FAMU Big Bend Habitat for Humanity campus chapter faculty advisor), who spearheads that effort on campus, she let us know about the Women Build Day. We took the opportunity for all our women in athletics to get together and work hard and give up some sweat for our community," Wiggins said.
Head women's basketball coach LeDawn Gibson, who also participated in the build, was excited about the opportunity as well. Gibson stated, "It feels good giving back to the community and for all of the women in athletics to get together and have fun for the right reason."
Head women's tennis coach Nikki Goldthreate, assistant A.D. for Development Angela Suggs, assistant softball coach Lori Goodart, graduate softball assistant Melissa Oliphant, assistant women's basketball coaches Latasha Shipman and A.J. Johnson, athletic trainers Yadisha Ortizz-Torres and Portia Williams, and the wife of Assoc. A.D. Michael Smith (Loretta Smith), were all present for the day and contributed to the build .
In fact, the ladies worked on one home, while dividing themselves up to do site preparation on another lot nearby. Marty Chumbler, incoming president of Big Bend Habitat for Humanity, was on hand to participate in the home build. Chumbler expressed her gratitude and expressed the importance of having groups like the ladies of FAMU Athletics, come out and provide valuable support to their efforts. "We are here to help the future homeowners build their house. Everyone is helping each other to provide the opportunity for home ownership for members of our community," she said.
Big Bend Habitat for Humanity volunteer/grants coordinator, Juanita Ross, was elated to have FAMU participate in the activity. Chumbler credited her and her efforts for coordinating with groups like the women of FAMU Athletics, to continue the success of assisting families with realizing homeownership.
Matthew Mituma and Charity Gikunda, owners of the home, were also on hand and assisting with the construction of their new home.