Owls in Action Week Delivers for Houston
12/3/2025 7:35:00 AM | R Association
Rice athletes collect over 2800 items and volunteer over 300 hours
Across the week, Rice Athletics collected 2,856 items, including canned goods, non-perishables, and essential hygiene products. The Swimming & Diving team earned first place in the department-wide competition, averaging an impressive 47 items per athlete and accounting for 44% of the total items donated. Women's Golf finished second with an average of 29 items per athlete, followed by Men's Track & Field / Cross Country in third with 12.88 items per athlete.
In addition to the drive, student-athletes collectively volunteered over 300 hours at five Houston-area organizations dedicated to alleviating hunger and supporting families in need: Kids' Meals, Houston Food Bank, Bread of Life, Wesley Community Center, and West Houston Assistance Ministries. Each day featured a shift at a different organization, offering student-athletes a chance to see how nonprofits across Houston support the community and how they can be part of that effort.
"Giving back to Houston is something our department takes pride in year-round, but it feels especially meaningful as we approach the holiday season," said Gillian Burns, Assistant Director of Student-Athlete Development and Letterwinner Engagement. "Owls in Action Week is about showing up for our city, learning from the organizations doing this work every day, and reminding our student-athletes just how much of an impact they can make."
The initiative was organized and led by Rice SAAC, with executive board members Kamden O'Connor (Men's Track & Field, Community Service Chair) and Riana Green (Women's Track & Field, SAAC Vice President) serving as the primary student-athlete leaders managing logistics, communication, and team engagement throughout the week.
"More than anything I was proud of the Rice athletic community for showing out," said Kamden O'Connor. "Events like this can be challenging to put on, but we had plenty of athletes, entire teams, and coaches donate and volunteer! I couldn't be happier and more thankful for everyone's effort."
Learn more information about SAAC initiatives HERE.
