NCAA Honors Michigan Team After ‘Golden Girls’ Take the Field
What unfolded on a football field in Michigan last fall was more than a halftime performance. It was a moment that reminded college sports what community truly looks like and now the NCAA is taking notice.
At Ferris State University, a cheer and STUNT team did something unexpected. Instead of keeping the spotlight to themselves, they invited residents from a nearby assisted living facility onto the field. These women, affectionately called the “Golden Girls,” stood shoulder to shoulder with student-athletes, cheering in front of a packed crowd. For many watching, it was joyful, emotional and deeply human.
But this did not begin on game day. For months before that moment, the team had been visiting the assisted living facility regularly. They organized pamper days, spent time listening to stories, sharing laughs and building genuine relationships. These were not quick photo opportunities. They were consistent, intentional visits that added up to more than 765 hours of community engagement.
Also Read:- The Play That Sealed a How Jeremiah Smith Changed College Football History
- Pistons Shock Celtics with Relentless Pace and Statement Win
That commitment has now placed Ferris State’s cheer and STUNT team among the finalists for a 2026 NCAA Award of Excellence. The honor recognizes leadership and meaningful service, not wins or trophies. It highlights programs that use sports as a bridge between campus and community and this effort stood out across the entire conference.
Why does this matter beyond one university. Because the NCAA is often discussed in terms of rules, money and pressure on athletes. This story shows another side. It shows student-athletes choosing to serve, choosing connection and choosing empathy in a system that does not always reward those things.
It also matters because of who was included. Older adults in assisted living are often overlooked, isolated and disconnected from public life. Bringing them onto the field, in front of thousands, sent a powerful message. You matter. You belong. You are still part of this community.
The award also comes at a pivotal time for Ferris State’s STUNT program, which is preparing for its official competitive debut. As a sport built on precision, teamwork and trust, this moment reflects its values in action, not just in competition.
Prize money from the NCAA will go back into future student-athlete leadership and service efforts, ensuring this impact continues. And the final decision will be announced at the NCAA Convention, where this small-town initiative now has a national stage.
In a sports world often defined by pressure and performance, this story stands out for its heart. Stay with us as we continue to follow how moments like this are shaping the future of college athletics, on and off the field.
Read More:
0 Comments