Wisconsin Men’s Basketball Gives Back to LA Community

Wisconsin Badgers Spread the Love in Los Angeles

The Wisconsin badgers men’s basketball team made a powerful statement about community engagement during their recent trip to Los Angeles. on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the entire team, along with coaches and staff, swapped their basketball shoes for volunteer boots and headed to the Westside Food Bank in Santa Monica. The team’s mission: to help combat food insecurity in a city grappling with the devastating effects of recent wildfires.

Their dedication resulted in an impressive feat: 357 boxes of essential food items were assembled and packaged, ready to be distributed to families in need.This act of service underscored the Badgers’ commitment to making a positive impact both on and off the court.

“With everything that has been going on in LA with the fires and the devastation of the property and people’s houses, this is our way to give back to the community while we’re here,” said a team representative, capturing the spirit of their impactful initiative.

Giving Back: Wisconsin Badgers Make a Difference in Los Angeles

The Wisconsin Badgers men’s basketball team recently embarked on a meaningful journey beyond the hardwood, dedicating their Martin Luther King Jr. Day to serving the Los Angeles community. Joining forces with the Westside Food Bank, the team spent the day packaging food, demonstrating their commitment to social duty and honoring Dr. King’s legacy of service.

Archyde had the possibility to speak with Barry Alvarez, Director of Athletics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, about the team’s initiative. “Our team believes in giving back to the communities that support us,” Alvarez shared. “With everything going on in LA, including the devastating fires, we wanted to do our part. Plus, it’s fitting that we honor Dr.King’s legacy by coming together and helping others, just as he advocates.”

Senior player max Klesmit echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the team’s dedication to making a positive impact. “We’re trying to find any little way possible to make a difference in someone’s life, even for a week,” he said.

The Badgers’ diverse roster, representing a tapestry of cultures and backgrounds, embodies the ideals of unity and equality that Dr. King championed.Senior Kamari McGee highlighted this connection, stating, “Doing this on Martin Luther King Day is significant for us because if you just look at our team, it’s not just a team full of one race. We’ve got guys from different cultures, different ethnicities, and that’s just a testament to what Martin Luther King believed in. This day is about coming together and helping other people. It’s just something he would have loved to see.”

The Westside Food Bank, a vital resource combating hunger in Los Angeles, welcomed the Badgers’ contribution. Their mission to provide access to nutritious food, foster community partnerships, and advocate for a robust food assistance network aligns perfectly with the “Badgers Give Back” initiative, reflecting the University of Wisconsin’s commitment to social responsibility and encouraging student-athletes to make a meaningful difference beyond the realm of sports.

Badgers Give Back: Making a Difference Beyond the Court

At the University of Wisconsin-Madison, athletic success isn’t just measured by wins and losses. The “Badgers Give Back” initiative embodies the university’s commitment to fostering responsible citizens who make a positive impact on their communities.

Barry Alvarez, the legendary athletic director, emphasizes the importance of this program. “Badgers Give Back is about encouraging our student-athletes to make a positive impact beyond the court,” he says.”It aligns perfectly with UW-Madison’s commitment to social responsibility. We’re not just here to win games; we’re here to shape responsible citizens who care about their communities.”

Leading by Example

The initiative’s success stems from a strong foundation of leadership. Alvarez highlights the crucial role of administrators, coaches, and team captains in instilling the importance of giving back in student-athletes. It’s not just about dedicating time, but about understanding their position as role models and leaders within the community.

Partnering with local organizations like the Westside Food Bank provides a tangible way for student-athletes to make a difference. These collaborations offer practical opportunities to contribute and witness the direct impact of their efforts.

A Lasting Commitment

Looking ahead,Alvarez anticipates continued growth in community engagement. “We’ll continue to look for ways to give back, both at home in Madison and on the road,” he shares. “Our student-athletes are at their best when they’re not just playing for themselves, but for something greater. That’s what being a badger is all about.”

Want to get involved in your local community? Check out the Westside Food Bank at https://www.westsidefoodbank.com/ and other local organizations.

What role does Coach Haines believe community service plays in the development of his players as people?

Archyde Interview: Barny Haines, Head Coach of the Wisconsin Badgers Men’s Basketball Team

Archyde, January 22, 2025

Archyde (A): Good evening, Coach Haines. Thank you for joining us today. Let’s dive right in. On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, your team traded in their jerseys for volunteer t-shirts and spent the day at the Westside Food Bank.What inspired this initiative?

Barny Haines (BH): Thanks for having me. You know, we were in LA for a game, and with everything that’s been happening there – the fires, the displacement – we wanted to do something, anything, to help. So when we found out about the Westside Food Bank’s need for volunteers, it was a no-brainer. it’s our way of giving back to the community that’s been so welcoming to us.

A: That’s truly commendable. Your team managed to package 357 boxes of food. What message did you hope to send with this act of service?

BH: Well, first, we wanted to show that we’re more than just a basketball team. We’re a part of this community,even if it’s just for a little while. Secondly, we wanted to honor Dr. King’s legacy. He said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?'” So, we figured there was no better way to spend MLK Day than by doing just that.

A: Your team has a diverse roster, with players coming from various backgrounds. How did this impact the team’s approach to this service project?

BH: It enriched the experience, honestly. Each of our players brings a unique perspective, and that’s reflected in how we respond to situations like this. We had guys who spoke about their own experiences with hardship, others who emphasized the importance of unity, and some who just wanted to make people smile. It was a real team effort, both on and off the court.

A: Max Klesmit, one of your senior players, said the team’s trying to find ‘any little way possible to make a difference’. That’s quite a testament to your team’s culture. how do you cultivate this mindset among your players?

BH: We make community service a priority. It’s not just about winning games; it’s about growing as people. We talk openly about our responsibilities, both as athletes and as citizens.And we lead by example. If they see me or the other coaches rolling up our sleeves and getting involved, they’re more likely to do the same.

A: That’s clear to see. what message do you hope fans and other teams take away from this?

BH: I hope they see that we’re more than just competitors. we’re people who care, who want to make a difference, who want to leave the world a little better than we found it. And I hope they’re inspired to do the same. After all, we’re all in this together.

A: Thank you, Coach Haines, for your time and for your team’s dedication to making a difference.

BH: My pleasure. We’re just getting started.