Once a week during the season, two Stevenson University women's soccer players visited the Baltimore Child Abuse Center.

Players, led by captains Stephanie Eyler and Taylor Zimmerman, worked on arts and crafts with children, helped with paperwork or just cleaned up while they volunteered at the center in the evening.

The Mustangs raised money, too; the team pulled in $3,000 in a season coach Graeme Millar said Stevenson dedicated to the child abuse center, long before abuse scandals rocked Penn State and Syracuse.

"I am very honored to be a part of such a caring group of young ladies," Millar said. They devoted their time and energy on their own will to help children in need."

It is estimated that 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 7 boys will be sexually abused before they reach the age of 18, a university statement said. Last year, the abuse center -- which is a non-profit that provides services at no cost -- served 887 children and families.

The team raised exactly $3,048 through pledges and donations for team achievements, including wins, goals, shutouts and postseason victories.

The idea was that of Eyler and Zimmerman, Millar said. Eyler, the school's all-time leader in goals scored, had previously volunteered at a homeless shelter.

"They are amazing leaders that I am proud to coach and are an inspiration not only to our athletic department, but the university as a whole," Millar said.

The team also wore blue shoe laces throughout the season. The color blue is recognized as a symbol for child abuse awareness.

"We are so appreciative of the...team's help throughout their 2011 season," said Jennifer Noparstak, Director of Development for the abuse center. "Knowing that they are supporting the children and families who are experiencing trauma, is incredibly powerful."

Millar said he hoped the team would continue to partner for the abuse center next season.