Chatt Chats: In-depth, real, and behind-the-scene stories of our incredible GoMocs student-athletes & programs. Produced by Tate Johnson, Production Director, and Corey Belonzi, Strategic Communications Assistant Director. Story told by Allison Swinford, student assistant. 

Vol. 4 - Holiday Spirit Shines Bright

With the fall semester wrapped up and Christmas fast approaching, it marks a time to reflect on what makes the holiday season so special. The season of giving. The season of togetherness. The season of family.
 
Annually, head softball coach Frank Reed and his student-athletes host a holiday gathering at its team facility, selecting a different worthy cause to support each year. Reed began the event nearly 20 years ago and has kept the tradition alive, allowing him and the team a chance to focus on the important and finer things in life.
 
Festivities of the gathering include dinner, gift giving and a night full of celebration. Typically, invitations extend to local organizations and groups, as well as community members around the Chattanooga area.
 
When trying to plan for this year's event, Reed wanted the gathering to focus on a story and a familiar person that is near and dear to many hearts across Chattanooga Athletics.
 
Meet Roy Keith.
 
Keith, a custodial staff member inside UTC's McKenzie Arena, is a father of two children ages five (boy, Dakota) and two (girl, Alyvia). In January 2020, Keith will mark eight years of employment at the university with five of the eight years spent inside the arena.
 
Keith's son Dakota, since the time of birth, has struggled from mental and physical disabilities, making everyday life a struggle at certain points for the family. The disabilities require a personal nurse to provide daily care.
 
Even with an unimaginable situation on hand, Keith always shines bright with an upbeat personality and caring attitude that attracts many of smiles from the athletics staff and student-athletes at UTC.
 
"Keith comes around every day and I get a chance to talk to him," said Reed. "He always comes into the office with such a great attitude."
 
Aly Walker and Hayleigh Weissenbach, senior outfielders for the softball program, took the lead on planning the event. When asked about the meaning of Christmas and holiday season, both demonstrated that it's more than just presents. It's about spending time together as a family.
 
"We thought we could do something nice for their family and keep involving UTC because UTC is one big family," Walker said.
 
She explained the importance of sharing the Christmas spirit, and the want of providing that spirit to someone who is so close to the staff and student-athletes on a daily basis.
 
"It's all about the bigger picture and this sums up the family aspect that we try to bring to UTC. We should always remember, it is not about the gifts we are giving; it is always about something more."
 
A California native, Weissenbach emphasized that being a part of the Chattanooga and UTC family, feeling the love and support, makes it easier being far away from home. 
 
"It makes it worth it to be away from him. It gives me, and us, the chance to give back be a part of something that creates a happy feeling. It gives us a different type of joy that you don't get just from playing softball, or doing well in school. You get pure joy from helping others. It really makes a difference being away from home doing stuff like this and being a part of the Chattanooga community.
 
The evening was simple. It was a chance to show Roy Keith and his family the love and respect he shows everyone at UTC day-in and day-out. The night comprised of a shared meal, the exchaning of presents, and several moments of fun and games between the student-athletes and Keith's children.
 
"Warm and Cozy" was the night's theme, so it was only right that pajamas were worn, hot chocolate was in abundance, and big smiles were shared all around. Roy Keith and his family were welcomed with open arms and Christmas cheer.
 
Evenings like these during the holidays show that there's a lot more to focus on that just what happens on the field during competition. Especially in Chattanooga. Where things are bigger than sports.

Chattanooga Athletics wants to wish everyone Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season!

SERIES ARCHIVES
Vol. 1 - Mission First, Family Always
Vol. 2 - Together is Better, Siblings Find New Home in Chattanooga
Vol. 3 - Strength Through Adversity, the NaKeia Burks Story
Vol. 4 - Holiday Spirit Shines Bright

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