BCP Community Partner Spotlight: Loyola University Maryland
February 19, 2026
For several years, Loyola University Maryland (Loyola) has partnered with the Govans Elementary School (GES) community in numerous ways. Each semester, 25-plus Loyola early education majors serve as regular tutors in GES classes and afterschool, while other students from the university have helped GES artists reimagine a historic landmark public sculpture.
An ongoing connection involves Greyhound Athletics’ “adoption” of GES for opportunities with Loyola’s impressive sports program. On January 31, 2026, 75 families and GES staff braved the cold to cheer on the Loyola’s Women’s Basketball team as it took on the Midshipmen Women’s Basketball Team of the U.S. Naval Academy. While the score did not end in the Greyhounds’ favor (they lost 62-68), the night was a great event for the GES community.
From free tickets to lots of perks like a shout-out on the scoreboard, free plush greyhounds for every spectator, and a chance to meet and take a selfie with Iggy the mascot, adopted schools may also have a choir or dance team perform. At last year’s GES/Loyola Basketball night, the GES community also met the players. This is the second year GES has attended a game.
My goal with this partnership is to provide access and community exposure to students and families. We have wonderful partners throughout our community, but we often don’t get to see the great work that they do outside of our school building.
Mx “CM” Couch, GES Community Schools Site Specialist
Last spring, the Loyola Men’s Basketball team came to Govans to read to the youngest students and play pick-up games at recess with older students. Both the Loyola Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams have hosted coed basketball skills clinics and volunteered time to mentor our student athletes at Govans. This past fall, soccer players from Notre Dame Maryland University hosted a soccer skills clinic at GES for 3rd through 5th graders, with Loyola students volunteering at the clinic. Mx Couch is planning on a spring soccer clinic as well.
But going to a game in Reitz Arena on Loyola’s campus is special. “The kids have such an amazing time going on a college campus, seeing college students (some of whom they know from tutoring), and experiencing a live college game in action,” Mx Couch adds. “For many students, this is their first sports event, and Loyola really makes the games interactive and fun.” This year’s fun included a halftime show with the cheerleaders performing, an elementary scrimmage game, fun contests, and t- shirt giveaways, which a GES parent won.
Thanks, Loyola University Maryland, for such a wonderful, impactful partnership!
