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CHARLESTON, S.C. – The sky was gray and overcast and the grass was damp from a morning shower. Despites the soggy conditions, the spirits of the 35 competitors out on the pitch were bright and cheery, and by the time the event wrapped up, the sky was just as bright as the smiles.

On Saturday, Oct. 6, The Citadel women's soccer team spent part of the morning at the soccer fields of Patriots Point working with seven members of United Soccer, a partner of Special Olympics.

"We always appreciate the opportunity to get out and connect with those in our local community," said head coach Ciaran Traquair. "Our cadet-athletes get a lot out of working with the kids and building relationships with them through the game of soccer. I am thankful we can continue this relationship and engage with our local fans."

The clinic began with a light jog before the Bulldogs led a group stretch.

Once everyone was good and loose, and some introductions were made, the real fun of drills began. The seven participants worked on their dribbling and passing before being turned loose on the net.

With members of the Bulldogs' team in goal, the United Soccer players took shot after shot, scorching the net.

The large group then divided into two teams for a little friendly competition. Some took the games a little more to heart than others, but once the final whistle blew, everyone was smiling and laughing, and a few dance moves were broken out.

"It was such a great experience," sophomore Kate Manzione said. "It really lifted our spirits. We all had a great time and it was great to interact with the kids and teach them a thing or two about soccer."

For a few local members of The Citadel squad, it was a chance to reconnect with old friends. Freshman forward Kessy Bradshaw, who played at Bishop England High School, was reconnected with her high school team's manager, Grace Myatt.

"It was awesome to get out here with them," Bradshaw said. "They always have high energy and are always happy, no matter what is going on. (Grace and I) got pretty close when we were at Bishop England, and it was so fun to have her around our team today."

For more information and updates on The Citadel soccer team's season, visit CitadelSports.com and follow @CitadelWSoccer on Twitter and Instagram.