MEAC and Coppin State Unite to Lift Baltimore Students Through Championship Book Drive MEAC teams added to the donation by giving books throughout the championship Volleyball | 11/22/2025 3:47:30 PM The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), in partnership with Coppin State University’s athletics department, showcased its deep commitment to service, education, and community impact during the 2025 MEAC Volleyball Championship with a powerful book drive supporting Baltimore-area schools. During the championship’s opening ceremony, Coppin State University President Dr. Anthony Jenkins, and Director of Athletics Derek Carter, stood alongside one team captain from each member institution to highlight the collective force behind this year’s initiative. Focused on strengthening the communities MEAC institutions proudly serve, the book drive mobilized student-athletes, coaches, and fans to donate books for elementary and middle school students across Greater Baltimore. Their generosity helped ensure that young readers have greater access to resources that inspire curiosity, build confidence, and support long-term academic success. A special recognition ceremony honored representatives from eight participating schools, including: • Torrian Carter, Cross Country Elementary/Middle School & Robert W. Coleman Elementary • Lurita Johnson, Fallstaff Elementary/Middle School • Medea Kennedy, George Washington Elementary • Devera Miller-Maxwell, Hampden Elementary/Middle School • Lakisha Spencer, Mary Ann Winterling School • Danielle Knazze, Montebello Elementary/Middle School • Marvin Tiller, Southwest Baltimore Community School • Sharon McCollough, Historic Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Elementary School “We do a lot of initiatives in the community involving local institutions because we believe it’s important to expose our youth to higher education at a young age," said Torrian Carter on behalf of the participating schools. “We’re all so excited to be a part of the MEAC Volleyball Awards Ceremony and to interact with women student-athletes. Women in athletics continue to grow, and it’s inspiring to see these young ladies be part of something so impactful.” As school representatives joined student-athletes, the moment underscored a shared belief: uplifting youth is a collective responsibility; one that MEAC institutions embrace with pride. The ceremony concluded with enthusiastic applause, celebrating Coppin State University, partner schools, dedicated volunteers, and the student-athletes who made the program a success. Together, the MEAC and Coppin State demonstrated the power of athletics to enrich communities and inspire the next generation of scholars and leaders.