Helping hands: FGCU's softball team scores big wins off the field for Habitat for Humanity

The FGCU softball team is accustomed to winning on the field, but what they did on Saturday (Sept. 7) in Lehigh Acres was a different kind of victory for the Eagles.

Head coach Dave Deiros and his players spent their day volunteering for Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties. It was the second time this year the FGCU softball players put their bats and gloves down and instead used power drills, paint brushes and other tools to score a win.

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"They are students. They are athletes. They are strong individuals. That is what we try to support in our mission for them," Deiros said. "They're there to support the community and each other."

The FGCU team has volunteered every year for more than a decade for the organization. Habitat for Humanity is a faith-based, private nonprofit organization that is one of the leading affordable housing builders and developers in Lee and Hendry counties.

Saturday's effort had Deiros and his players wrapping a home in Tyvek-blue boards and insulation to provide moisture, air, and barrier protection before installing the windows.

"We use this as team building. The hardship of putting up a wall is far greater than facing a 65 mph fastball," Deiros said.

Volunteering efforts lead to multiple wins

In August, the the Eagles volunteered at a different site in Lehigh for a painting project.

"Before the beginning of the season, Coach Deiros wants us to be 23 strong. This really helps us in that goal," said Olivia Black , a junior outfielder from Fort Pierce, Florida.

• FGCU athletes are required to do 20 hours of community service to graduate

• FGCU teams have been volunteering for over a decade

• The collaboration with Habit for Humanity started with Miguel Fernandez, father of Mariah Fernandez (class of 2013), who was a lawyer in town and on the board for Habitat in Lee and Hendry Counties

• Fernandez passed four years ago from pancreatic cancer 

Taking on the affordable housing crisis in Southwest Florida

Affordable housing is still an issue in SWFL. According to FGCU's Rental Index , The Fort Myers-Cape Coral Metro area (including Lehigh Acres ), is ranked 18th in the country for affordability in rent – even more expensive than Tampa.

The average rent for our area is $2,167 – meaning that households making less than $85,142/year would be considered rent-burdened.

"Volunteers are the heart of our mission, and partnering with FGCU catalyzes our ability to build affordable homes in our community," said Habitat for Humanity Lee and Hendry Counties Vice President of Resource & Development Elisha Baird. "Collaborations like these empower students to engage in meaningful service learning, which is essential for creating lasting impact in our community."

Here are some stats regarding FGCU student and faculty volunteer involvement since January 2024, according to Habitat for Humanity:

• Total number of build days organized by students and/or faculty: 10

• Total number of volunteers: 66

• Total number of volunteer hours: 675.61

Saturday's efforts weren't the first time FGCU has made a difference in the community like this and it won't be the last time.

"It's already ingrained in our DNA because it is one of FGCU's core values and something we will carry on for the rest of our lives," Deiros said. "As long as I'm at FGCU we will be doing this once or twice a year."

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: FGCU softball team volunteers for Habitat for Humanity in Lehigh Acres