By: Story from Belmont Abbey Athletic Communications

NORTHBOROUGH, Mass. — The Belmont Abbey College women's lacrosse team earned the Division II Team Community Awareness Award by the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coach Association (IWLCA) Thursday afternoon.

The purpose of the Team Community Awareness Award is to recognize one team in each Division that has contributed significantly to their community during the previous academic year. Academics are not part of the award, and at least 50 percent of the team's roster must have participated in community service activities to be eligible for the award.

Belmont Abbey is one of four teams recognized for the award along with three individual student-athletes.

Servant leadership is at the heart of who we are as a program," head coach Molly Kopp said. "We are incredibly honored and super motivated to continue to serve. This award is a reflection of the values we live by every day. The community shows up for us, supports us, and inspires us and we believe it's our responsibility and privilege to return that support in meaningful ways."

With a strong focus on youth engagement, community support, and charitable outreach, the Crusaders demonstrated a deep commitment to giving back beyond the field. Last October, the team supported children who have lost a parent by hosting game night activities at Chameleon's Journey Grief Camp, bringing joy and connection to kids in need of healing. Later that month, they engaged local families through a Trunk or Treat event, providing games and candy in a safe, welcoming environment. The team also took action against food insecurity by preparing 400 lunches for Charlotte's homeless community as part of the Hashtag Lunch Bag initiative.

In November, team members taught lacrosse at Belmont Elementary, helping young students learn the sport as part of their global athletics curriculum. The team also hosted a middle school girls' lacrosse clinic in February, creating an opportunity for
younger athletes to grow and connect through sport.

The team's inclusive spirit was especially evident during the Ryze Above Obstacle Course Challenge, where players supported adults with physical and intellectual disabilities in a day of movement, motivation, and fun. They also participated in Mr. Crusader, a campus-wide fundraiser benefitting the Make-A-Wish Foundation, demonstrating their ongoing support of national charitable causes.

The full release from the IWLCA can be found here.