Student-athletes at Lake Superior State University took time out of their busy schedules to have fun with some of their biggest fans at the annual LSSU Family Fun Day Sunday afternoon.
The event was held at the Norris Center's Student Activity Center from noon to 2 p.m.
It welcomed all families and community members to carnival-style games, bouncy houses, raffles and more. Free ice cream cones were served up by some of the athletes.
New LSSU Assistant Women's Basketball Coach, Alix Carter, was one of the organizers.
Carter moved to campus in July 2024 and started planning the event in August.
"Last year the event was run by different coaches and we got asked to jump in and run it so it was kind of an adjustment. We asked our players for help and be adaptable. Plus our community members have been very helpful in the whole thing," Carter said.
There are so many other things the student-athletes could have been doing on a Sunday afternoon but they looked forward to participating.
"It looks like they are having as much, or even more fun, than the kids here. They are playing the games with the kids. They are getting into the bounce house. They are having pizza with them. It has been a great event," Carter added.
"If we want them to support us and go to our games, we need to show up for them. We need to get everyone together and create that small-town energy," Carter said.
Jordyn Haller, a senior on the LSSU volleyball team, was one of many student-athletes engaged with the kids. Two of the attendees were her niece and nephew.
"We have never been able to participate in previous years because we have been away at games. This year we were lucky enough to have a home meet and so we got to come here. I think it is really special to get out into the community and get kids excited about sports and coming to our games. We are role models for them so they are happy to be able to meet us and to talk to us," Haller said.
