April 22, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. --- Members of the UAB softball team recently spent time reading to a classroom full of children as part of a read-aloud program at the UAB Child Development Center.

Freshmen Donna Plath, Kayla Orr and Caley Walden spent 30 minutes reading aloud and interacting with the Pathfinders class of approximately 25 kids. The group is one of many at the UAB Child Development Center, which focuses on children four to five years of age.

"This is a great way for our players to give back to Birmingham and UAB," head coach Marla Townsend said. "I know this is one of the most enjoyable things our players get to experience during their years here."

The UAB Child Development Center serves children of UAB faculty, staff and students. Ages range from six weeks to five years. The program was established to provide a quality child care facility aimed at helping parent-employees and parent-students fulfill work, study and family responsibilities without sacrificing their occupational or educational goals or the quality of their family life.

The Blazers' softball team will host No. 9 Houston this weekend in their final home series of the season.