FARMVILLE, Va. – For some, community service efforts ramp up around the holidays. For the Longwood women's basketball team, giving back is a year-long endeavor woven into the fabric of the program, led by Erika Lang-Montgomery.
 
"Servanthood is part of our core values," says the second-year head coach, referring to the first of a group of five tenants that lay the foundation for the team's success. "And so, it is something that I strongly believe in that, if we have an opportunity to serve and give back, then we'll step up and do it."
 
The Lancers have participated in activities throughout the year ranging from refreshing the paint on a map of the United States at Prince Edward Elementary School to helping in construction at two Farmville-area properties through Habitat for Humanity.
 
"I want our program to be known as that team that is always going to pitch in and help," Lang-Montgomery says. "I feel like it's our responsibility to give back to the community that supports us."
 
Senior guard Steph Davis reiterates that sentiment.
 
"Service is very important to us because it's so fulfilling to see how we can make an impact in our community and the people who love on us throughout the year," the Windham, N.H., native says. "It allows us to [not only] forge closer relationships with people who show up to our games, but also people around the community. The best way for us to show thankfulness and appreciation for them is to give back. [We] also know the importance of our influence and difference that can make on the people around us."
 
Davis says she enjoyed being part of a basketball clinic the Lancers ran in conjunction with the Virginia Book Festival, teaching local children fundamentals of basketball. "This day was a really rewarding experience just because the kids look up to us so much and they get so excited to be around us," says Davis, in her second season at Longwood. "I love basketball, and seeing kids thrive and learn and develop a passion for the game is actually pretty cool to see."
 
More than basketball, though, Lang-Montgomery has seen similar service projects have a lasting impact on the student-athletes involved.
 
"After doing it for years, I have former players who are still doing community service in their respective areas," she says. "But even just learning life skills themselves, like I see 'Hey coach, I just painted a room in my house, and I remember when we did that with Habitat.'"
 
Some events fit certain personalities better than others. Lang-Montgomery points to a day when the team assisted at the local food shelf. "Like AC, I'll give an example, she's not a big extravert, she's an introvert," the coach says of senior forward Alyssa Chapman. "When we helped at the food pantry for FACES last year, that was something that she really enjoyed because she didn't really have to be hands-on, but it gave her an opportunity to interact if she wanted to."
 
As the Lancers come home after a grueling seven-game road trip to host Mid-Atlantic Christian Wednesday at noon at the Joan Perry Brock Center, fans are encouraged to bring three canned food items in exchange for a ticket. Donations benefit FACES and local families in need.
 
"Passion is part of the game, but I think part of passion is loving what you do, not only serving on the court, but also giving back to communities outside of Longwood women's basketball," Davis says.