While the players anxiously await their first practice of the season this coming Monday, those who are part of Central College’s elite softball team spent some time helping others Thursday.

A dozen of the athletes who will suit up for the historic Division III powerhouse program helped tie blankets as part of a service day scheduled at Central to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Junior Center Fielder Sara Tallman–a Pella High School alumna, tells KRLS Sports the Dutch softball team makes great effort to not only be a winning softball team — but they always strive to grow themselves off of the field.

“I think it’s quite important for us just because while we are players on the field, this also helps us become aware of what’s off the field,” she says. “I think that’s one of the huge things that Central softball helps you take away from the college experience.”

Central opens practice Monday, with games starting in Tuscon, Arizona over Spring Break on March 11th. The Dutch are a storied program under Hall-of-Fame Head Coach George Wares, qualifying for the NCAA playoffs a Division III-record 29 times in the last 33 seasons, winning four national championships.