Everyone Kept Working Together

Sixteen members of the 2012 University of Southern California Trojan football team, as well as several other USC students and Hope Force staff members, recently returned from a Haiti deployment focused on the "Houses of Hope" project. The team built four homes, participated in a gift distribution for children in the Child Sponsorship Program, delivered supplies to local schools and orphanages, and brought the ministry of presence to a nation still recovering from 2010's devastating earthquake.

Backup Quarterback Cody Kessler was among the players who represented the Trojans on the recent Hope Force deployment. "The first day was the toughest," Kessler said. "Within the first hour we were all drained. The work was hard, but the outcome was worth it. Everyone kept working together because we were all there for the same reason."

"We were very motivated," continues Kessler. "You want to finish so these people can have a home. Some of them have nothing but a tent and some towels. They wonder where their next meal will come from. You realize this stuff happens when you sit on your couch in the air conditioning and watch it on television. But it's so different to see it firsthand."

Kessler is from Bakersfield, California. He graduated from high school a semester early to enroll at USC in spring 2011. His high school accomplishments included Super Prep All-American, Prep Star All-American, U.S. Army All-American and USA Today All-USA second team. Kessler was also the first player to be named the Bakersfield Area Player of the Year in both football and basketball. As a senior, Kessler completed nearly 70 percent of his passes and made 36 touchdowns. He redshirted as a freshman quarterback in 2011 and will compete for the backup quarterback position next season on the Trojan football team.

The Trojans are an NCAA Division 1 football team boasting 11 national championships and six Heisman trophy winners since the program was established. In 2009 ESPN solidified the team's reputation as a college football powerhouse by rating the USC football program second best in all of NCAA history. Ranked number one for the 2012 season by ESPN, this year's team is expected to live up to the Trojan standard of excellence.

The Haiti team was headed by QB Matt Barkley's father Les, who was a first responder after the earthquake in 2010. "Originally there was some concern about such a diverse team traveling to a place like Haiti," Les said. "For these young men who live in a world of hype and glory to come here and work as a team ?-- it's quite amazing."

"I can't express adequately how well every team member did. The camaraderie and servant leadership was incredible. We all love the victories in this field, but we've had a new realization of who the man within can become. I'm thankful to the Hope Force team, and I'm excited to see how each young man on the USC team can take what he's learned back on the football field." The team started practice upon their return from Haiti, alongside summer academic courses. USC is rated by ESPN as the number one team in the country heading into the upcoming football season.