EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Four University of Evansville student-athletes traveled to Indianapolis on Tuesday to take part in NCAA Student-Athlete Day.  Making the trip for the Purple Aces were Silas Adheke (men's basketball), Leah Helpingstine (women's tennis), Jonathan Newby (cross country) and Bailee Porter (softball).
 
"We are appreciative the NCAA hosts a National Student-Athlete Day program.  Our student-athletes had the opportunity to work with Indianapolis youth in support of Riley's Children's Hospital, participate in leadership and professional development sessions and tour the NCAA Hall of Champions," UE Senior Associate Athletic Director Sarah Solinsky said.  "The skills developed with serve them well in leadership roles with their teams and on our campus."
 
National STUDENT-Athlete Day is generally recognized April 6 nationwide, but can be celebrated throughout the months of March and April at NCAA colleges and universities. The day recognizes the accomplishments of student-athletes who excel in the classroom, on the playing fields and who give back to their community through service projects.
 
Student-athletes from Indiana NCAA institutions and Indianapolis youth from Perry Meridian Middle School and Dream Center made art care bags for Riley's Children's Hospital.  The group also toured the NCAA Hall of Champions.  The afternoon consisted of programming for the student-athletes, related to leadership, communication and professional development.
 
"Student Athlete Day was great! I really liked getting to meet student athletes from other schools and sports, and talking about values and leadership with them," Helpingstine explained.  "It is inspiring to be surrounded by peers that are excited about what they are doing, and inspire you to work harder too."
 
Annually, the NCAA celebrates college athletes from Indiana schools at the national office with a day of service and development. The NCAA education and community engagement group will host its ninth annual National Student-Athlete Day celebration Tuesday, March 28, 2017 in Indianapolis.
 

• INFO: For all of the latest information on University of Evansville athletics, visit GoPurpleAces.com or follow the program on Twitter via @UEAthletics.

 

• DONATE: For information on giving to UE Athletics or its individual athletics programs, visit the DONATE tab on the top of GoPurpleAces.com.

 

• TICKETS: To purchase tickets for University of Evansville athletics events, log on to GoPurpleAces.com and click on the TICKETS tab on top of the page.