NEW YORK -- The Columbia baseball team took time out of their busy schedules to help a group of middle schoolers last week. More than 40 children aged 12-14 came out to Robertson Field at Satow Stadium and received instruction on every position on the field as the Lions chipped in to share their skills.

The Lion players worked in conjunction with Level the Field, Inc., a non-profit organization started by Erica Woda '04CC, a former women's soccer player at Columbia, who created the program to use sports as a vehicle to cultivate social skills and develop a work ethic in students that will prepare them for future academic, personal and professional success and empower them to become leaders and productive members in their communities.