DALLAS (SMU) - While most students around the United States enjoyed the day off to celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Monday, the SMU equestrian team was hard at work - not in the equine arena, but giving back to the community of Dallas as part of SMU's Martin Luther King, Jr., Day of Service.

The equestrian team is committed to giving back to both the campus and surrounding community, while also teaching student-athletes lessons about working together.

"Our goal each year is to give back to the Dallas community," head coach Carol Gwin said. "Being part of a team at SMU requires more than just practices. It is important to work together for a common goal, and I thought the team did a great job of working at several local charities on Monday. It was a win-win for the community and our team."

The entire 32-women roster spent the day in the greater Dallas area working with one of three foundations: the Goodwill Industries of Dallas, Inc., SPARK! (a program that provides children the opportunity to develop their creativity side)and the Foundation for C.H.O.I.C.E. (Consider How One Individual Changes Everything).

Twenty-five members of the team worked with Goodwill Industries by assisting with sorting and processing donations in the Goodwill central warehouse.

Four members took part in SPARK!, and used their creative minds to transform a 360-degree, hands-on playscape by assembling a colorful mosaic for the center floor, installing creative structures on the ceilings and walls, and painting.

The final three members volunteered their day with C.H.O.I.C.E., and spent the day as mentors, becoming a support system for local high school students. The three provided at-risk students with the resources, skills and mentoring relationships necessary to promote a seamless transition for life after high school.

"Being a part of the SMU and Dallas community is really special because of our surrounding areas," Gwin said. "The university and program get so much support, so it was great that we got to give back to those who support us."

The SMU equestrian team will host the Fresno State Bulldogs at 10 a.m., Sat., Feb. 6. It will be the final home meet of the season. Senior day ceremonies are scheduled before the meet.

--SMUMustangs.com--