Mary Carson, a student-athlete and team captain for the Colorado Buffaloes women’s lacrosse team, has been dedicating her time to volunteering with EXPAND, a recreational therapy program based in Boulder. Carson said on March 12 that her work with EXPAND involves coaching sports like basketball and flag football, as well as leading art sessions for people with disabilities.
Carson’s involvement highlights the importance of community engagement among student-athletes. She explained that giving others access to sports is rewarding because of how much athletics has given her. “It’s rewarding being able to give people access to something I’ve always had,” she said. “Especially with sports, because it has given me so much.”
Carson first learned about EXPAND while searching for summer volunteer opportunities and quickly became involved in Camp Amico, a day camp focused on building social skills and independence for children ages 10 to 17. Her commitment continued into the school year as she helped run therapy-based sports programs for participants aged 5 to 18.
She described the impact of seeing participants grow more confident over time: “Some kids came into camp, and their parents were very concerned about the pool. But by the end of the summer, they were swimming and having fun on their own. They didn’t even need me to be there.” Carson added that these experiences are grounding and remind her of the core values of sports: “This work reminds me of what sports are at their simplest—community, people learning new skills, and that pure joy.”
As a psychology major planning to pursue graduate studies in counseling, Carson said working with diverse populations through EXPAND has shaped her perspective both on and off the field. She encourages others to volunteer as well: “Anyone can volunteer at EXPAND. They’re always looking for volunteers—high school kids all the way up.” On the field, Carson was recently named one of three team captains for the upcoming season and continues to help lead a strong defensive unit.
Looking ahead, Carson plans to stay involved in volunteering regardless of where her career takes her: “It’s helped me get back to that simple joy,” she said. “And it’s something I want to carry with me wherever I go.”
