WORCESTER—In December 2024, Assumption College’s football team participated in a unique “draft day” experience, where they were matched with students from Nelson Place Elementary School in Worcester.
The partnership, formed with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Massachusetts & Metrowest, has allowed the athletes, known as “Bigs,” to meet weekly with their “Littles” for mentorship, conversations, and camaraderie.
Head football coach Andy McKenzie, who previously worked with Big Brothers Big Sisters at another institution, helped establish the partnership to integrate service into the student-athletes’ education.
“Part of the students’ interest in having a big brother was so that they could learn to manage their feelings better, learn how to communicate with different people,” said McKenzie in the announcement. “These kids were making pretty important decisions about why they wanted a big brother – it wasn’t just to throw a football around.”
McKenzie believes the program provides an important opportunity for college students, many of whom come from diverse backgrounds, to gain a broader perspective on life.
“College kids come from different backgrounds, sometimes affluent, and sometimes they don’t have a great perspective of what’s out there in the real world and how many young people need good role models and mentors,” said McKenzie. “Once they start to realize – hey, these students are really looking forward to meeting me, seeing me, talking to me about important things, and just having fun, our guys learn to appreciate their circumstances a little bit better by being a big brother.”
Jamar Ballard ’27 and Jack O’Sullivan ’26 are among the student-athletes who have paired up with “Littles” this year. Both Ballard and O’Sullivan noted the importance of serving as positive role models in the lives of the young students.
“As a football player, you’ve got eyes on you all the time,” Ballard said in a press release. “When you do things that positively impact young people, it sends a message – we’re role models, you can look up to us – and it lets kids know that they could be like us too and give back to their community.”
“You never know what’s going on in their lives,” O’Sullivan added. “I know a lot of these kids might go through tough situations, so being a positive influence is probably my favorite part, letting them know that they can create their own goals and make their own way.”
Both Ballard and O’Sullivan encouraged other students to consider becoming “Bigs,” emphasizing that even small gestures, such as simply being present for the students, can make a big difference in their lives.
“I think people should just be kinder to each other. It’s nothing more than just showing up with a smile and making them laugh,” O’Sullivan said. “When I was ten, I used to look at my high school’s football team and think they were, like, the New England Patriots. To be able to be in this kid’s life, I’ve been in his shoes – I know that just me being with him is making his day as it is.”
“I feel like it’s a duty to me to be able to teach them,” Ballard added. “Everyone should be open to doing this. To be able to talk with a kid, to get it, and to give them that time and attention – it’s a great experience. Who wouldn’t want to hang out with them? They’re the future.”
In recognition of their efforts, Assumption’s football team was awarded the 2025 Cornerstone Award for Community Service at the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Massachusetts & Metrowest annual meeting in January. Coach McKenzie shared that the program now includes twenty Bigs from the football team and continues to grow.
“We’re really excited to bring this partnership to campus and to make it a cornerstone of our service to the community,” McKenzie said. “I really think it’s an important part of the education of all students, not just our team, to serve the community. And this is one small way to give back big time.”
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