Empowering Student-Athletes Through Service

For Dr. Amy Eperthener, community service is more than just an extracurricular activity—it’s an opportunity to shape student-athletes into leaders. As an athletic trainer at PennWest’s Edinboro campus and advisor to the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), she helps athletes balance their rigorous schedules with meaningful service projects.

One of the most rewarding initiatives she oversees is the Make-A-Wish fundraising effort, where student-athletes work throughout the year to support children facing critical illnesses. Despite their demanding training and competition schedules, they find time to give back.

“These students push themselves every day on the field, but what impresses me most is how they push themselves to make a difference,” Eperthener said. “Seeing them light up when they realize the impact they’re having on a child’s life is incredible.”

This year, their efforts led to something extraordinary—the opportunity to host a wish reveal, where they would personally tell a child their wish had been granted. Dr. Eperthener knows this will be a defining moment for her students.

“The reveal is going to change them,” she said. “Fundraising is one thing, but when they see the joy on that child’s face, they’ll understand why this work truly matters.”

Listen to Dr. Eperthener's story on the Power of PennWest Podcast