Buckeye Lacrosse in the Community
11/25/2025 10:00:00 AM | Men's Lacrosse
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio State men's lacrosse has strengthened its community ties in the offseason, volunteering with organizations such as 2nd & 7, Leveling the Playing Field and Star House to build connections and give back to the greater Columbus area.
Through these partnerships, the Buckeyes support organizations whose missions align with the team's commitment to positive community impact and giving back. 2nd & 7 promotes literacy by providing free books and positive role models while encouraging young athletes of the community to pay it forward. Leveling the Playing Field redistributes equipment to expand access and equity within youth sports and recreation programs in under-resourced communities. Star House is Central Ohio's only drop-in center that provides support, care, and resources to young adults ages 14 to 24 experiencing homelessness.
The Buckeyes' involvement has made a notable impact on the organizations they serve.
"The players are tremendous role models during our visits to second grade classrooms, encouraging the students to read every day and to try their hardest in school," Janet Kassoff, director of the Role Model Reading Program at 2nd & 7, said. "Young readers look up to the players, learning about their commitment in the classroom and on the lacrosse field."
These community service opportunities give the student-athletes a deeper connection and a way to thank the Columbus community.
"It is a chance to give back to our community that supports both Ohio State Athletics and the university as a whole," sophomore defenseman Jack Lehman said. "The opportunity to give back to the community and be the bright part of somebody's day is a feeling that cannot be recreated and feels very rewarding."
In addition to building stronger ties to the community, these opportunities also have a great personal impact on the Buckeyes.
"I have been blessed with so many amazing opportunities throughout my life, even just here during my time at Ohio State, so I will embrace any opportunity I have to give back to the community around me," graduate defenseman Taji Flynn said. "Being able to engage with various non-profits and people whose mission is to serve others has given me an immense sense of joy and purpose in ways I could have never imagined."
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