To kick off the new season, the Sarah Lawrence College women’s soccer team traded the field for the kitchen, volunteering their time with Part of the Solution (POTS), a Bronx-based nonprofit dedicated to helping people move from crisis to stability. The team spent the morning preparing and serving food alongside POTS staff, helping ready a meal service for clients who rely on the organization not only for nourishment, but also for showers, mail services, legal support, and a welcoming community.
“Working with POTS reminded us that the people we met are just like us. It’s often just a few strokes of bad luck that make the difference,” reflected team captain Daniela Perez ’26, a psychology student from the Bay Area. Perez noted how much she enjoyed preparing a rice-and-beans dish — something she enjoys with her own family — and how the POTS staff created an inclusive, joyful environment, complete with music and laughter in the kitchen.
POTS shared their appreciation in a note to the team, writing: “The commitment that you have shown to our cause has had a significant impact on the lives of those we serve and has helped us further our mission of moving our clients from crisis to stability.”
Service is a longstanding tradition for the women’s soccer team, with volunteer opportunities built into both the pre- and post-season. This year, Perez and co-captain Viktoria Balbin ’26 are working to deepen the team’s partnerships by developing ongoing collaborations with local organizations. Head Coach Maurizio Grillo explained, “Our goal is to build consistent connections so our student-athletes can really get to know the community. Volunteering helps us step back, reflect, and give back.”
The team’s commitment to service goes hand-in-hand with their drive on the field. With five first-year players joining this fall, the squad is eager for the season ahead — and equally committed to making an impact off the field through partnerships like the one with POTS.