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PCHfH Women Build

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Tennessee Tech softball team raises the roof at Women Build With encouragement from her teammates, Katie Speiser cuts a sheet for the Women Build house.

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(Story courtesy of Tennessee Tech Sports Information)

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (Oct. 14) -- The Tennessee Tech softball team has raised the roof numerous times against its foes in the Ohio Valley Conference. Wednesday afternoon, in the chill and rain of a gray Cookeville afternoon, the Golden Eagles raised another roof -- literally -- as they worked on a Habitat for Humanity home.

As part of the CHAMPS program for Tech student-athletes, several members of the Golden Eagle softball team volunteered to work on the home, being built on the eastern edge of Cookeville. Other Tech teams have worked recently at other community projects, such as reading to young students at area schools and putting on skills clinics.

"The weather wasn't the greatest, but I think everyone really enjoyed the experience," said coach Tory Acheson, who has toiled many hours himself in every type of weather to groom the Tech softball field.

"The Habitat for Humanity program is an outstanding program, and we really appreciate getting the opportunity to take part in it. "I think each of the players who participated today gained a real sense of accomplishment and -- once they dried out and warmed up -- took pride in what they've contributed."

The CHAMPS/Life Skills program, developed by the NCAA in 1994, focuses on five commitments that over 400 NCAA institutions are making in the growth and development of student-athletes. The CHAMPS/Life Skills Program at Tennessee Tech offers a variety of programs geared toward allowing each student-athlete to develop in all five areas -- Academics, Athletics, Personal Development, Service and Career Development. The program is an important aspect, because it provides the student-athlete with the necessary tools to succeed in his or her sport, as well as other areas of life, such as the classroom, the community and the workplace.

PCHfh Women Build Project

Volunteers are still being recruited for the PCHfH Women Build program. Women of all ages, groups, and backgrounds are encouraged to volunteer their time, materials and finances to the Women Build home. Financial gifts and pledges are also being accepted. State Senator Charlotte Burks and County Executive Kim Blaylock are honorary co-chairwomen of the event. For more information about the Women Build event, call Putnam County Habitat for Humanity at 528-1711.

Women Build History

A group of women in Charlotte, N.C., completed the first women-built Habitat home in 1991, planting the first seeds for the Women Build program. In May of 1998, the Women Build department at Habitat for Humanity, International, was officially instituted. Since 1991, all-women crews have built more than 350 Habitat homes in the United States.