Student-athletes and coaches from across Slippery Rock University welcomed families to campus Monday evening for the annual Trick-or-Treat event, giving children an opportunity to celebrate Halloween while connecting with Rock Athletics.
Held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Morrow Field House, the free event was organized by SRU Athletics and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). Each team hosted a themed station where children could collect candy, participate in activities and interact with student-athletes outside of their usual roles in competition.
For SRU softball coach Stacey Rice, the event provided an opportunity for student-athletes to represent the university while making a positive impact on younger members of the community.
“As a program, we believe in and value community engagement,” Rice said. “It is rewarding to take part in events like Trick-or-Treat to allow our team to interact with families and impact the youth in a positive light while representing Slippery Rock University.”
The evening offered children a chance to meet college athletes in a casual setting while enjoying a familiar Halloween tradition. Families could visit stations representing different athletic programs, giving younger attendees an opportunity to connect with teams they might otherwise see only at sporting events.
Sarah Brown, a senior catcher on the softball team, said seeing the children’s enthusiasm made the event memorable.
“Trick-or-Treat was a great event,” Brown said. “It was awesome to see the local youth participate and see them excited to see Rock Athletics.”
For the student-athletes, the gathering also provided an opportunity to build relationships within the university community. By working together to host stations and distribute candy, teams contributed to an evening focused on engagement rather than competition.
Senior first baseman Paige Parker emphasized the event’s value in bringing student-athletes, university faculty and local families together.
“There is insurmountable value in participating in community events in Slippery Rock such as our annual athlete trunk or treat event,” Parker said. “It is so much fun to interact with our wonderful faculty and their children.”
Parker added that the event helps strengthen connections among student-athletes while creating memorable experiences for children.
“It truly builds a sense of belonging among the student-athlete community,” she said. “It is amazing seeing the kids’ faces light up when they see the athletes dressed in costume.”
This year’s event continues SRU Athletics’ efforts to connect with the surrounding community through seasonal activities. In 2023, the department hosted a Trunk-or-Treat event at the track at Old Thompson Field. In 2025, the university incorporated trick-or-treating into Basketball Madness, combining Halloween activities with introductions of the men’s and women’s basketball teams.
Through the annual gathering, SRU Athletics provides local families with a free way to celebrate Halloween while connecting with student-athletes and coaches. The event also gives athletes an opportunity to represent the university beyond their athletic performances and strengthen relationships with the community throughout the academic year.
