April 24, 2025

Potomac State College Athletics Honored with Prestigious Community Engagement Award

Keyser, WV – Potomac State College Athletics has been named the 2025 Outstanding Athletes in Service award winner by the WVU Center for Community Engagement, recognizing their exceptional commitment to civic and community involvement across the state of West Virginia.

Each year, the Excellence in Community Engagement Awards celebrate the very best of what West Virginia University and its campuses offer in terms of engaged learning and community impact. The awards honor individuals and groups who embody the WVU Values of Service, Curiosity, Respect, Accountability, and Appreciation.

The Outstanding Athlete in Service category recognizes student-athletes who exemplify these values through their actions and sustained efforts in civic engagement and community service. Potomac State College Athletics stood out among nominees from across WVU for their outstanding dedication to making a difference in their community. 

"I am incredibly proud of our student-atheltes for earning this honor." said Athletic Director Mandi Larkin. "Our teams are always seeking to serve in a variety of ways and this award shows the impact we are making as an athletic department to the Keyser community."

This award is a testament to the powerful role athletes can play in fostering connection, building community partnerships, and driving social action. Potomac State's student-athletes have consistently demonstrated leadership through volunteering, advocacy, and service projects that address local needs and uplift West Virginians. 

The WVU Center for Community Engagement extends its sincere gratitude to Potomac State College for having a sustained impact on the state of West Virginia through community engagement, civic action, and continuous service. Their dedication serves as a model of excellence for the entire WVU system.

Larkin shared, "As an athletic department staff, the coaches are dedicated to engaging our student-athletes in spaces beyond the competition venue. I believe that part of the experience of being a collegiate student-athlete is understanding the impact you can have on those around you.  Learning to use the skills you have as an individual to help others is a key part of developing as a person during your collegiate years. We will continue to engage in our community and develop leaders that will make a positive impact on this world."