HARTSVILLE, S.C. - The Coker College Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) has been busy of late with numerous community engagement projects. SAAC recently hosted its second ‘Make-A-Wish’ Day on Saturday (Feb. 28) and partook in Read Across America Day on Monday (Mar. 2).

On Saturday (Feb. 28), during the Coker women’s and men’s basketball games, SAAC hosted its Make-A-Wish Day and honored Braylin Wilds of Hartsville as an honorary Coker Cobra. Braylin was welcomed with his own Coker basketball jersey and received a game ball during halftime of the men’s game.

“It was fun having Braylin be part of the team,” said junior guard Deion Craig. “He was really shy throughout the whole day, but you can tell the joy and happiness was there. Being a part of SAAC and the Make-A-Wish Day really puts things in perspective and makes you cherish what you have; and shows the impact genuinely caring for someone can have on everyone involved.” 

SAAC continued its community engagement two days later, on Monday (Mar. 2), as over 40 Coker student-athletes made their way to Thornwell School of the Arts, West Hartsville Elementary School, Washington Street Elementary School, and McBee Elementary School to partake in Read Across America Day.

The student-athletes interacted with the younger students, reading from their favorite children’s books and answering questions about playing college athletics. Overall, the experience was great for everyone involved, according to Stacey Bannister of Washington Street Elementary.

“By far the best readers we have had yet,” said Bannister. “I loved overhearing the conversations between the kids and the student-athletes. We can’t wait to have them back and hope this begins a lasting partnership with Coker Athletics.”