From the Court to Elementary Schools: DBU Basketball Serves with Mercy Street for a Third Year

During their third year in partnership with Mercy Street Dallas, Dallas Baptist University's Men's Basketball team spent a morning playing basketball and encouraging students at two Dallas ISD schools.

Throughout the morning, the DBU Patriots played sports games with the elementary-aged kids as part of their Physical Education (P.E.) program. While interacting with the students, the basketball players became sources of encouragement to the students, motivating them to pursue excellence in their academic studies, to respect their teachers and coaches, and providing them with personal and emotional support.

As the team split between C.F. Carr Elementary School and Dr. Elba and Domingo Garcia West Dallas STEM School, the DBU Basketball team reached over 400 children in just two hours.

The P.E. Instructor at C.F. Carr Elementary, Coach Ates, shared how meaningful it was for the kids to interact with the DBU student-athletes, especially in the excitement of getting to "dunk" a basketball with the help of a DBU Patriot. Coach Ates shared how this opportunity allowed students to receive an uplifting moment from their coach, peers, and the athletes—something they do not often receive.

In a Facebook post, Mercy Street Dallas highlighted how meaningful it was to have DBU's student-athletes visit the elementary kids. "We are grateful for partners who invest their time and energy in the children of West Dallas and help reinforce the message that their lives have purpose and their futures are worth pursuing," they said.

This partnership with Mercy Street has given DBU student-athletes the chance to become servant leaders in the surrounding communities and provide a positive influence on young students.

DBU Basketball's Head Coach, Dr. Blake Flickner, hopes that by stepping back into the elementary school environment where many of the players' love for basketball began, the team can be positive examples for the kids to grow in maturity, learn how to listen, work hard, and dream of higher educational goals.

Reflecting on the last three years serving with Mercy Street, Coach Flickner shared how grateful he is for the work Mercy Street is doing and for being able to partner with them in spreading hope and encouragement. "Our mission aligns strongly with them," Coach Flickner shared. "Brian Roy, Director of Sports Management for Mercy Street, mentioned that they hang their hats on teaching the fundamentals of sports and faith. I cannot imagine a better use of our time and talents God has blessed us with than that."

As the basketball team returned to University Hill, they were reminded of the humility, selflessness, and service that are foundational elements of basketball; that true joy is found in putting Jesus first, others second, and themselves last; and to become a salt and light to those they encounter.