Blair Schaefer Named To SEC Community Service Team
February 24, 2016 | Women's Basketball
STARKVILLE, Miss. – One of the core values of Mississippi State women's basketball is being involved in the community. Blair Schaefer has done that in her two seasons in Starkville, earning her a place on the 2016 SEC Community Service Team that was announced Wednesday.
The sophomore guard has been actively involved in the community since joining the Bulldogs, participating in a number of service projects for the team and the M-Club, Mississippi State's student-athlete service organization.
“It's a great honor to be on such a team that gives back to the community whenever we have time to do so,” Schaefer said. “Being a student-athlete brings difficulties sometimes with balancing school and basketball, especially with traveling during the heat of the season. However, when I have time to brighten someone's day just by stopping by for 30 minutes or an hour and cheering them on in a race or praising them in school, I like to take advantage of those opportunities.
“I never realized how much younger kids look up to me until I started giving back to the community and seeing their faces when I show up to support them in their endeavors. I feel like being on this team shows that we appreciate our fans' support on the court, and one way to thank them is by finding time to support them back.”
Schaefer has been an active participant in Bully's Book Blitz, an effort that sends Bulldog student-athletes to local schools to encourage the importance of reading.
She has also participated in Starkville's annual Travis Outlaw Day, playing games and interacting with local children.
In addition to spending time with young Bulldogs at Bully's Kid's Club family nights, Schaefer has also participated in Starkville's Step Up For Kids day.
This year she joined some of her teammates in assisting with the T.K. Martin Fun Run that benefits MSU's T.K. Martin Center for children with special needs. She also volunteered at the region Special Olympics event that was held on the Mississippi State campus.
The Starkville native has appeared in 27 games this season as the No. 16 Bulldogs have compiled a 22-6 overall record and 9-5 SEC mark heading into Thursday's road finale at Vanderbilt.
Tip is set for 7 p.m., with the game being broadcast in its entirety on www.watchespn.com and the WatchESPN app via SEC Network +. Moments of the contest will be shown on the SEC Network television channel as part of special women's basketball whip around coverage.
The Bulldogs wrap the regular season at Humphrey Coliseum on Sunday, hosting Alabama in a 1:30 p.m. tip.
