Delaney Booth – The Remarkable Runner
When we established the SPRTER College Impact Awards (formerly Athlete CRUSH College Impact Awards), we set out on a mission to recognize and support some of the most selfless student-athletes from across the nation. The awards were such a success that we had to do it again this year. The submission pool was incredible were incredibly inspirational – but there was one nominee who received the most support from the community.
The story of Delaney Booth, this year’s Community Champion Award winner – is one with a personal and deep meaning. We were lucky enough to speak with Delaney about her life, sport interests and passion for the community:
You are doing some inspirational community work, Can you please tell us a little bit about your upbringing?
My family is extremely close. I am the eldest of 3 children; I have a younger sister and a younger brother who have been my best friends growing up. I am a 2015 graduate of Eastern Regional High School where I was a 3-sport athlete with cross country, winter track, and lacrosse, and then came to USciences to pursue my Doctorate in Occupational Therapy as well as run cross country. I have lived in South Jersey for my whole life, and my parents raised me right to be a Philadelphia sports fan!
What are some of the charity projects you have been involved with?
I have participated in feeding the homeless through the Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission. Additionally, I have participated in several “Appeal for a Meal” Thanksgiving meal drives through USciences for local families and communities, and I’ve partaken in USciences’ “Adopt a Family” program to donate holiday gifts to local families and communities.
These are all great causes – what is it that drives your passion to help others?
I love helping others for many reasons, but the biggest reason behind why I am so drawn to it is knowing I am leaving my mark on someone else’s life. As I get older and especially after my father’s deployment from 2017 to 2018, I am more focused on living intentionally and taking nothing for granted. For me, that includes being selfless and kind. #ForTheTroops was incredible to lead, but even better to see how thankful the troops were to receive care packages and letters. Making a difference only feeds my desire to do more for others.
Could you tell us a little bit more about the #ForTheTroops project?
#ForTheTroops was a fundraiser held within the USciences athletics department to donate care packages and letters with thoughtful messages to the troops serving in Afghanistan. These care packages contained items like toiletries, snacks, socks and undershirts, games, and so much more of the little things that one needs, but has run out of or worn down. Together over a 2-week span, the athletic teams, coaches, and administrative staff had put together 5 huge boxes of items, as well as about 100 cards to send to the troops in Afghanistan. This was done right before Thanksgiving as a way to let them know that they were being thought of.
You’ve already left quite the mark Delaney! What is next for you? What would you live to achieve from here?
Aside from obtaining my Doctorate in Occupational Therapy, I just want to continue being the best version of myself as a daughter, sister, friend…whatever my role may be. I hope to always be dependable, grow in my faith, continue being a strong leader, and make a significant impact in my profession. I am so excited to see what the future has in store for me!
Delaney, this is such a noble cause and we are happy to support your charitable efforts with the donation. We received a tweet directly from someone in the US army who actually benefitted from your efforts, so know that you truly made a difference!
Delaney wants her winning $531 donation to go to the Gary Sinise Foundation, a foundation which supports US defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need by creating and supporting unique programs designed to entertain, educate, inspire, strengthen, and build communities. If you want to contribute to Delaney’s and our efforts in supporting the Gary Sinise Foundation, please click on the link above!
Ladies and gentlemen, we present to you our 2019 SPRTER College Impact Community Champion Award Winner, Delaney Booth!
Make sure to follow her on SPRTER, Instagram, and Twitter to follow her future endeavors!
SPRTER: Delaney Booth
Instagram: @delaney_booth
Twitter: @delaney_booth