The Saint Mary's College men's and women's soccer teams hosted a clinic for the athletes of Special Olympics on Saturday, September 25 at Saint Mary's Stadium. The clinic was sponsored by Common Interest Management, and proved to be a moving experience for all involved.

"It was a great experience for our players to work with the Special Olympics athletes," said Kai Edwards, Saint Mary's Head Women's Soccer Coach. "Anytime you get the opportunity to help others it's a blast. Both our players and the Special Olympics athletes had a great time and we look forward to doing it again."

"It was a great opportunity for the Saint Mary's soccer program to give back to a community that has been so incredibly supportive to our student athletes," said Jon Bernal, Saint Mary's Assistant Men's Soccer Coach. "The guys truly enjoyed their experience and are looking forward to our next opportunity to get involved with our community."

The clinic drew approximately 50 Special Olympics athletes from around the Bay Area. Skills taught at the clinic included everything from dribbling and shooting to passing and goal celebrations.

"I walked away from this soccer clinic so proud of Common Interest's involvement in a community event where St. Mary's athletes gave so much of themselves to help young girls and boys involved with the Special Olympics experience the sheer joy and exhilaration of athletic competition," said Mike Archer of Common Interest Management. "It was a wonderful day!"

"Our team was very fortunate to be able to do something like this," said Tommy Mohoric of the Saint Mary's men's soccer team. "All of the athletes had a great attitude and it was inspiring to see. I think everyone who was involved would agree that it was a special experience."

"We really enjoyed working with everyone. Sometimes we take for granted everything that's been given to us and we forget what made us enjoy playing soccer in the first place," said Ashley Soro, who plays for the Saint Mary's women's soccer team. "They helped us remember just why we do what we do."

Next Clinic

The Saint Mary's Men's and Women's Basketball teams will host a basketball skills clinic for the Special Olympics Athletes on Sunday, October 31st at 11:00 am.