Union Springs Girls Basketball Program Honored with Historic NYSPHSAA Community Service Award

This past Friday, January 31st, the Union Springs Girls Basketball Program was honored with the prestigious Community Service Challenge Award from the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA). This marks the first time a team from our Section has received this distinction, and it is a particularly rare honor for a school of our size. The award, which is presented bi-yearly, was given to Union Springs for the Fall of 2024. The recognition took place between the JV and Varsity contests against Marathon, celebrating the team’s outstanding dedication to community service.

The award stems from the Union Springs Girls Basketball Program’s recent efforts in partnership with Palooza Basketball and local community members to bring aid to families affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Ranging from third-grade players to high school seniors, the program organized the "Help Us, Help Others - Stuff the Truck Campaign," a hurricane relief drive with an ambitious goal: to fill a 53-foot tractor-trailer with essential supplies for communities devastated by the storms.

The initiative was born from a conversation between Head Varsity Coach Andy Kalet and Barry Schwarting, Vice President of the Union Springs Board of Education and father of one of the team’s sophomore players. “Barry and I discussed the widespread damage and the urgent need for assistance,” Coach Kalet explained. “We brainstormed ways to help and set our sights on filling an entire tractor-trailer with supplies.”

Initially aiming for 26 pallets, the campaign far surpassed expectations, ultimately filling between 44 and 46 full pallets in a semi-trailer donated by Averdi. More than 170 people contributed, with donations flowing in from families, friends, players, coaches, and community members. The overwhelming response underscored the Union Springs community’s deep-rooted spirit of service and generosity. “The outpouring of support—whether in the form of donations, money, or volunteer hours—has been absolutely incredible,” said Coach Kalet. “Acts of kindness inspire more kindness.”

The fully loaded truck departed for the Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, TN, in late October. From there, the supplies were distributed to hurricane victims across North Carolina and Tennessee. Gulliver Farms, a local family farm, played a crucial role by donating the road tractor and fuel for the long journey south.

Coach Kalet expressed immense pride in his players, emphasizing that their efforts extended far beyond the basketball court. “Our program is about more than just basketball—it’s about character, teamwork, and a commitment to making a difference. The students who took part in this campaign won a championship in life this weekend,” he said. “Union Springs is an incredible community, and this achievement was only possible because of everyone’s support. Basketball can be so much more than just a game.”

During the award presentation, Bill Bryant, Executive Director of Section IV Athletics, was on hand to present the Community Service Challenge Winner banner, which will be proudly displayed in the gym. Bryant praised the students and community for their remarkable efforts, stating, "This is a very special community from what you did. You have some really great leaders and supporters in this district, with Superintendent Powers, Mr. Salls your AD and Coach Kalet as your head basketball coach. What you young people did has left an impact on thousands of lives in Bristol, Tennessee. Union Springs is the first school in the history of Section IV to win any type of award like this, so you young ladies and gentlemen who were involved in this, I tip my hat to you, what you did was an amazing thing."

Following the ceremony, the varsity girls team carried the momentum into their game, securing their fourth straight win with a commanding 58-35 victory over Marathon. Jennifer Daum led the No. 19-ranked Wolves with a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds. Madison Kalet flirted with a triple-double, finishing with 13 points, eight assists, seven rebounds, and three steals. Ainsley Francis-Biter tallied 10 points and two steals, while Allie Parker contributed 6 points, four rebounds, and three steals. Gracie Chalupnicki added 7 points and two steals, rounding out a strong team effort.

The Union Springs Central School District extends its heartfelt gratitude to every community member, parent, player, and volunteer who contributed to this initiative, demonstrating once again that Union Springs is a community that truly cares.

Community Service Challenge WinnerCommunity Service Challenge Winner

Community Service Challenge WinnerCommunity Service Challenge Winner