COLUMBUS, OH – She gives it her all on the floor, but Ohio State gymnast Raina Malas also gives it her all outside of the gym too.
Team Cohesion student-athlete Raina, a senior on the Women’s Gymnastics team, participated in several Cohesion Foundation events in Fall 2022, such as the Buckeyes Care event and Fan Fest.
Face painting fun at Buckeyes Care event.
And soon after the events, Raina sent a check to the Cohesion Foundation. Donating back a portion of her NIL.
Attached to the check was a note reading, “Thank you for the opportunity to represent Team Cohesion and Ohio State Athletics. I’m so excited about the impact we can make in the community. I’m donating a portion of my check back to support the Cohesion Foundation and to benefit other OSU athletes. Go Bucks!”
Raina gives back!
Raina wasn’t new to the volunteer world, growing up her mom Stephanie Malas took her to soup kitchens and showed her how important it is to help others on a regular basis.
“Stephanie was a big volunteer. Stephanie opened our home and her heart to everyone she met. In November, she worked closely with Finding Hope Center providing furniture, bedding and mattresses to three young adults moving into Dublin, she always was making a warm and loving home for others. She handled a several thousand dollar budget for Region 5 Gymnastics and volunteered hundreds of hours of her time each year making sure the gymnasts were ready to go,” explained Raina’s Dad, Ernie Malas. “She set such a good example for Raina that is now just innate to her. Stephanie couldn't have been more proud of Raina and her accomplishments. She was her biggest fan!”
Stephanie passed away suddenly in November 2022, but Raina is continuing to follow in her mom’s footsteps.
Raina with her mom, Stephanie, and grandma, Linda
“Raina thinks it’s awesome,” Ernie said, referring to the Cohesion Foundation. “It’s fulfilling because I think everyone in life wants to do nice things for other people when they can.”
Ernie said Raina received several smaller NIL deals but the Cohesion Foundation NIL has been the most impactful and meaningful.
Ernie and Stephanie Malas with Football Head Coach Ryan Day
“Cohesion Foundation is doing more than just giving money to athletes. As these athletes get involved, it will give them a lifetime desire to help other people,” said Ernie. “It’s fantastic to see them supporting more than just the big money sports too. All of these collegiate athletes work hard and dedicate all of their time to their sport. So it’s great to see them highlighted.”
Raina and the Women’s Gymnastics team host their final home meet this weekend, March 3-5, 2023.
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