MONTEVALLO, Ala. – The Montevallo women's basketball team is set to host Huntingdon College on Friday, Oct. 24, for UM's annual Education Day, but to many people around the program, it is way more than just a game.

For the third consecutive year, the Falcons women's basketball team has begun the school year by taking weekly trips to Montevallo Elementary School, spending time with the students in carline, classrooms, and P.E. classes.

Montevallo Head Women's Basketball Coach Olivia Chapman emphasized the importance of her team developing relationships with the students at the elementary school.

"The reason that we come in the mornings, greet them, read to them in their classrooms, [and] spend time with them in P.E. is to build relationships," said Coach Chapman. "We want it to be more than just a game; we want to teach our players the importance of giving back to the community."

Montevallo Elementary School Principal, Haley Franks, enjoys having the team spend time with her students and recognizes their impact as role models.

"We love our partnership with them; they come out and greet everybody at carline and read to our students every week," said Principal Franks. "Our students having them as role models is absolutely priceless."

The roles will be reversed on Friday, as the elementary students will be the ones making the trip to the University of Montevallo campus. Central State Bank Arena will be full of young Falcon fans cheering on their older friends in purple and gold on the court.

Tip off is set for 11:00 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 24, as the Falcons face off against Huntingdon College. Admission is free for the general public.