CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The No.9 Queens University of Charlotte men's lacrosse team took to the giving spirit Friday, December 10, when they visited the Highland Renaissance Academy.

Over 30 student-athletes showed up for an afternoon of interaction with the K-5 Charlotte-Mecklenburg School.

The day began with the players being split up into classrooms where they had the opportunity to assist the teachers with a variety of tasks. Some players helped teachers explain instructions and read to groups of students, while others were able to interact one on one through helping them with computer projects.

Freshman defenseman Patrick Murphy was proud of the team's efforts to reach out in an academic setting.

"Helping kids learn to read and lending a helping hand to teachers is very important to us," said Murphy.

The pride was enhanced when assistant principal Merita Little welcomed the team in with a high level of excitement.

"We're excited to have such a large group of male student-athletes to serve as role models for the elementary students," said Little. "It reinforces the importance of education and giving back to your community."

The Royals reciprocated Little's energy, and as the school day came to an end and the students were dismissed, the team continued to engage - showering them with encouraging words and high fives as the students boarded their busses.

With a handful of aftercare students staying behind, the Royals took the opportunity to expose the group to their beloved sport. After introducing themselves and explaining the position they play, the team gave an interactive presentation on how to have fun with lacrosse.

Several of the students had never had exposure to lacrosse before, reinforcing the importance of interacting in the community.

"Getting out in the community to help those less fortunate is truly important," junior Matthew Dolan (Hopkinton, Mass., Hopkinton) said, "and it really reinforces the idea of not taking the things you have in life for granted."

With the holiday season in full swing, assistant coach Randy Jones is proud of his team's decision to take a day away from the field and into the community.

"Highland Renaissance was a great place for our players to give back," said Jones.  "Our players got to interact with multiple students and make an impact during the holiday time - when it is needed the most for some people."