The project was the first project of the year led by Athletic Department Community Outreach Coordinator Camrin Azzarano, who saw it as an opportunity to give back to the community around the University. "I think it was a great educational experience as well,"she said.  "They learned what some invasive species are doing to our landscape." Azzarano serves as the head coach for Eastern's field hockey and women's lacrosse teams.

With no games scheduled for the field hockey and soccer teams, the athletes had a choice to go home for the weekend or to sleep late, but over 40 athletes used their strengths in a coordinated effort. They cleaned trash from the pond, pulled invasive water plants, cut down and removed invasive vines, and planted trees.

Kim Campbell, who plays both field hockey and lacrosse for the Eagles, said, "Even though some of the work was really dirty, we had a good time working with the other teams and helping out the park and the community."

The University created the Community Outreach Coordinator position in order to assist the different programs in the department in their efforts to further the education of their student-athletes through service to the community.

For more information about Eastern University athletics, visit www.goeasterneagles.com.