DELAND, Fla. – A student-athlete has the ability to not only make plays on the field, but to make an impact on the local community with public service.
 
For Katherine Ocheda, a Kennesaw State women's lacrosse player, her impact goes much further than just in Kennesaw.
 
Back in 2008, Ocheda was visiting her father's native country, the Philippines, when Typhoon Frank hit causing some major damage. Traveling through different towns, she saw how bad the destruction was.
 
"Everything was covered in mud and they had no homes or anything left," Ocheda said. "What struck me the most is how people were still smiling and weren't down on themselves when they just lost their homes and had nothing left."
 
A couple weeks later, the Ocheda family returned to the United Stats and Kat told her parents she wanted to do something to help all of the people that had lost everything they had.
 
"A place that got hit really badly was 30 minutes from my dad's home town, so I found a local school where I sent books and school supplies," Ocheda said. "I started out by sending clothes and that kind of stuff."
 
What started with sending a few school supplies and clothes turned into the Kat Kat Operation that now sends supplies to over 500 children twice a year.
 
"The smallest things make their day," Ocheda said. "I gave a kid a box of crayons and he was the happiest kid. They are so appreciative of the little things."
 
The locals in the Philippines are so thankful for Ocheda's donations that they have named June 29 Kat Ocheda Day.
 
Ocheda will head to the Philippines again in May right after the spring semester ends, but before she heads back her and her teammates are focused on finishing the 2015 season strong.
 
This Friday, the Owls will take on the Stetson Hatters at 5 p.m. in Deland, Florida.
 
To keep up with the latest Kennesaw State lacrosse news follow the team on Twitter @KSUOwlNation and @KSUOwlsLax or by liking Kennesaw State University on Facebook.
 
Fifth Third Bank is the Official Bank of Kennesaw State Athletics. Fifth Third Bank Stadium is the home of women's soccer, women's lacrosse and football, which will play its inaugural season in 2015.