Men's, Women's Basketball Programs Assist in Alley-Oop for Autism Event

JERICHO, N.Y. - The Queens College men's and basketball teams gave back to the local communities recently, as the Knights volunteered their time to assist in the administration of the Alley-Oop for Autism event. The event is an annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament, where all proceeds benefit Ascent, a private, nonprofit school for children diagnosed with special needs.

"Volunteering for this event allowed me to humble myself and place the purpose of this event before myself," said men's basketball senior, Khalil McDonald. "The people who ran and attended this fundraiser treated this event with a great deal of respect."

"In the spirit of the (Queens College) motto, 'We learn so that we may serve,' we have engaged in a number of community service projects this season," commented QC women's basketball head coach, Bet Naumovski. "These opportunities broaden the student-athlete experience and hopefully plant lifelong seeds of service.  Autism has been our focus this season and I hope we've done our part to raise awareness for this very worthy cause."

"It was an amazing experience volunteering for Alley-Oop for Autism," stated women's basketball sophomore, Joanna Verouhis. "There is nothing better than having the opportunity to help out a good cause inspired by basketball."