“Nobody is bigger than the G,” says Mike Dombrowski, head coach of the boys’ soccer team at Granby Memorial High School. Dombrowski motioned to the big G painted at the center of the soccer field, explaining that “the G is a symbol that reminds us we are part of much bigger community.”
Recently, Dombrowski started the Bears Give Back program, which encourages his players to seek out volunteer opportunities and to give back to Granby organizations through acts of service. “We want to model a servant leadership mentality,” Dombrowski said, “where our players learn how to serve the town that supports us.”
The goal for the Bears Give Back program is to instill a sense of community pride and civic duty, which Dombrowski says he learned from former coach Dave Emery and the late Jenny Emery. “Our mission is inspired by Jenny and Dave Emery,” Dombrowski said, explaining how he watched the Emerys devote their time, talent and treasure to Granby over the years.
Students involved in the Bears Give Back program have served as volunteers with the Granby Land Trust, where they have helped clean trails of debris, rake leaves, and fix and relocate benches. Additionally, students have volunteered for community events hosted by South Church, Rovers youth sports club and, most recently, the Holcomb Hoedown.
“It’s been really cool to work with others,” said John Hurczyn, Chapman Marcy and Brodie Boyd, all of whom play on the boys’ soccer team and participate in the Bears Give Back program. They echoed Coach Dombrowski when they added that their favorite part of the program has been working on projects that are important to former coach Dave Emery. As John explained, “Coach Emery gave so much to our soccer program here over the years, and it’s been really cool to give back to things that matter to him in the community.”
At the Hoedown, the Bears Give Back participants assisted with the cleanup efforts, taking down all the tents and returning the signs and other materials to the farm store. Their next project will include volunteering at upcoming Rovers youth sports events.
When asked about the team slogan—“nobody is bigger than the G”— Brodie offered his perspective, explaining that “it means that we are all playing for something much bigger than ourselves. Nobody is above anyone else. We all respect each other and play for each other and the broader Granby community.”