The University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB) student-athletes continue to lead by example—not only in competition but also in the community. During the 2024–25 school year, Falcons from across multiple sports completed a total of 6,416 community service hours, giving back through volunteer efforts throughout West Texas and beyond.

"I could not be prouder of our student-athletes – not just for their accomplishments on the field, but for the countless hours they have dedicated to serving our community," said UTPB Vice President for Athletics Scott Larson. "Their commitment to making a difference in the Permian Basin reflects the true spirit of leadership, teamwork and integrity that we strive to instill in our athletics programs."

The UTPB football team led the way, contributing a department-high 2,834 hours— 1,312 hours in Fall 2024 and 1,522 hours in Spring 2025.

UTPB Head Football Coach Kris McCullough, a founding advocate for UTPB becoming a Special Olympics College, has helped instill a culture of service that continues to grow.

"Our staff buys in to what we try to do in the community and what we try to do in the classroom, and our players love giving back to the Permian Basin, both in Midland and Odessa," said Coach McCullough. "Giving over 2,000 community service hours in a year is pretty tough to do, and we have done it back-to-back years now. We are striving to constantly give back to this community that gives so much to us."

The Falcon football volunteer efforts span numerous impactful projects, including: supporting Special Olympics, weekly service at the West Texas Food Bank, collaboration with Habitat for Humanity, campus-wide cleanups, event staffing, water distribution during the Midland water crisis, and volunteering at banquets, auctions, and local festivals.

The UTPB volleyball team logged the second-most community service hours for the athletic department, finishing the 2024-25 school year with 1,650 hours. Their efforts included helping with volleyball clubs, leading training sessions and clinics, working with Special Olympics, and volunteering at animal shelters.

"As representatives of UTPB, we often find ourselves reaching out to the local communities asking for their support, so we find it important to give back to those that so often are the ones going out of their ways to cheer us on," said Head Volleyball Coach CJ Allard. "Since my hiring, we have put a large focus into giving back to our volleyball community specifically as today's youth volleyball players are tomorrow's leaders."

The UTPB baseball team recorded 520 community service hours, placing third among all teams. Their projects included support for Special Olympics, campus landscaping, and various community engagement activities.

"We helped with community service because we believe in giving back and supporting those around us. It's important to contribute to the well-being of our community, and service allows us to make a positive impact, even in small ways," said Head Baseball Coach Justin Phillips. "It also helps us grow personally—building empathy, teamwork, and a sense of responsibility. We are very thankful for both our university and our community and it is the least we can do."

Men's basketball followed with 500 hours of service. The team supported the West Texas Food Bank and its 24-hour food-a-thon, helped with event staffing, volunteered at the Bridge Church Pumpkin Patch, worked with Special Olympics, and engaged with local elementary school students in Midland and Odessa.

"I think it is important to give back to the community that gives us so much," said UTPB Head Men's Basketball Coach Kyle Tolin. "This is home for our student- athletes while they are here, and it is good for us to show our appreciation for how we are treated. The community and university go hand-in-hand, and we want to make sure we show how important the community is to us."

Rounding out the top five, the women's basketball team contributed 350 hours in the fall, volunteering at the West Texas Food Bank, Pink the Basin, the Boys & Girls Club, local schools in Midland and Odessa, and Special Olympics. They also assisted with the Pumpkin Patch setup at Parks Legado.

"Our West Texas community is special and is filled with amazing people," spoke UTPB Head Women's Basketball Coach Rae Boothe. "Individuals, families and businesses pour into us, and us being a part of our community, giving back and being positive role models is the West Texas and UTPB way.  We are grateful and proud to serve in any way that we can to do our part."

UTPB student-athletes made a powerful impact throughout the 2024–25 academic year, contributing thousands of hours to meaningful causes across the Permian Basin. Their dedication to leadership, service, and community reflects the values at the heart of Falcon Athletics.