Louisiana Volleyball Team Encourages Lafayette Students With Back-to-School Surprise

A Morning of Encouragement in Lafayette
LAFAYETTE, La. — The start of a new school year brought an unexpected message of encouragement to students at Lafayette Elementary on Friday morning as members of the Louisiana Volleyball team welcomed children back to school and helped create a joyful beginning to the academic year.

The student-athletes’ visit was more than a school appearance. The team also surprised principal Colleen Comeaux with a $1,000 check to help provide resources and opportunities for students throughout the school year.

For a community facing the challenges that accompany a new academic year, the gift serves as a reminder that encouragement can make a lasting difference. Scripture teaches believers to “encourage one another, and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

Giving Beyond the Volleyball Court
The donation demonstrates how college athletics can become a bridge between a university and the surrounding community. While athletes spend much of their time preparing physically and mentally for competition, their influence can extend far beyond the court.

Jesus taught His followers to serve others with humility, saying, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). A contribution directed toward students can help provide practical support while communicating something equally important: their community believes in them.

For children beginning another year of learning, seeing collegiate athletes show up to welcome them may also offer an example of perseverance, teamwork and service.

A Milestone Season Begins
The Louisiana Volleyball program is entering a significant milestone as it begins its 50th anniversary season. Head coach Kristi Gray and the team are preparing to open the preseason competition schedule with the annual Vermilion and White Scrimmage on Saturday, August 15.

The event is scheduled for a 2 p.m. first serve at E.K. Long Gym, located at 500 E. St. Mary Blvd. The scrimmage provides fans an opportunity to see the team prepare for the coming season while celebrating five decades of Louisiana Volleyball.

The Bible frequently uses athletic imagery to describe perseverance and faithful living. Hebrews 12:1 encourages believers to “run with endurance the race that lies before us.” For athletes, that endurance is lived out through preparation, discipline and teamwork; for Christians, it can also serve as a picture of remaining faithful through every season of life.

A Season Open to the Community
Admission to the Vermilion and White Scrimmage is free, as is admission to Louisiana Volleyball matches throughout the season. Doors open 60 minutes before each event.

That open invitation gives families, students and fans an opportunity to gather together and support the athletes. Community involvement can strengthen relationships across generations and remind young people that they are part of something larger than themselves.

Proverbs 11:25 says, “A generous person will be enriched, and the one who gives a drink will be refreshed.” The volleyball team’s visit to Lafayette Elementary illustrates how generosity can take many forms—from financial gifts to simply showing up, offering encouragement and celebrating others.

Building a Culture of Service
As the Louisiana Volleyball team begins its 50th season, its impact will be measured not only by wins and losses but also by the relationships it builds throughout Acadiana.

The visit to Lafayette Elementary offers a meaningful example of athletes using their platform to encourage children and strengthen their community. For Christians, it is a reminder that every opportunity to serve can become an opportunity to reflect Christ’s love.

Prayer for Lafayette Students and the Community
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the students, teachers, administrators, families and athletes who make our communities stronger. Bless the children beginning this school year and give them wisdom, courage and a desire to learn. Strengthen teachers and school leaders as they guide and care for their students. Bless the Louisiana Volleyball team as it begins its 50th season, giving its players health, discipline, unity and humility. May their example inspire others to serve, encourage and give generously. Protect our schools and help our community remember the words of Galatians 6:9: “Let us not get tired of doing good.” In Jesus’ name, Amen.