By Kelly Burke
 
December 24, 2008
 
ASHLAND, Ore. -- For the Southern Oregon University Softball team, it really is the season of sharing.
 
"We started this tradition three years ago when Coach Fritts came, and each year we get assigned a Christmas family," says SOU Softball Senior Utility Player Joelle Riekeman.
 
The 20 college girls who make up the team take great care in selecting presents for a less fortunate Southern Oregon family.
 
"The best part is knowing we're doing a good thing. We all plan ahead to save to be able to do this," says Riekeman.
 
For some girls, that includes giving up their weekly Starbucks runs.
 
"I think if I had told them that we weren't doing it, they would complain about not doing it, so it's kind of nice they've embraced it and ran with it," says SOU Head Softball Coach Kim Fritts.
 
After the shopping and sharing is done, the Raiders get ready for a Christmas celebration with their own sports family.
 
"I'm a big Christmas fan. I thought while I have them here, it'd be nice to get them in the Christmas spirit and have them do something they can put on my tree and let them know I care about them," says Fritts.
 
While the Raider softball team is gearing up for their regular season, the girls are never too busy to give back to the community they represent.
 
"Even though we're in college, we can definitely make a difference. Every little bit helps, even if it's just setting aside 10 or 15 dollars. When we combine it all, it makes for everyone else to have a really good Christmas, and I think people just need to realize there is a lot out there you can do," says Riekeman.
 
"We all know we have a lot of memories throughout our college experiences, but this is one we can go back and say we gave gifts to families in need, we had a feast and had a lot of fun decorating balls," says Fritts.