BROOKINGS – South Dakota State long snapper Jaden Mueller has joined the Every Kick Counts campaign to raise funds for Count the Kicks, a stillbirth prevention public health campaign. 

Every Kick Counts allows student athletes to give back to their communities and do something bigger than themselves by raising funds and awareness to improve birth outcomes. Ahead of SDSU’s upcoming game against the Iowa Hawkeyes, Mueller and Hawkeye Punter Tory Taylor created a PSA to shine a light on the effort.

Mueller and Taylor are collecting donations for Count the Kicks by receiving pledges for every score, punt, kick or success they have in their game. Every time they succeed, they raise money and potentially save lives. Athletes at all levels can leverage their personal networks and social media profiles to raise awareness for the cause. 

Across the country, athletes (from high school to professional sports) have already committed to turning their performance into monetary support for Count the Kicks, including Matt Haack of the Indianapolis Colts. All proceeds directly benefit Count the Kicks mission to prevent stillbirths and reduce racial disparities that persist in birth outcomes. The effort has saved babies in 30 states and 3 countries, including Danny McCune in South Dakota. His mom Jennifer is the Count the Kicks South Dakota Ambassador.

Keith Duncan, Every Kick Counts coordinator and a former Consensus All-American placekicker for the University of Iowa, says the campaign is important because it gives student athletes a sense of empowerment. 

“By participating they are helping to gain exposure for their team while connecting with a cause that is bigger than themselves,” Duncan said. “Being an athlete isn’t just about strength or athleticism, it’s also about standing up for what you believe in, doing the right thing and advocating for those who can’t advocate for themselves.”

Through the Every Kick Counts campaign athletes can turn their performance into a win both on and off the field! Community members and sponsors looking to support Jaden Mueller can visit EveryKickCounts.com to pledge your support. 

“We are thrilled to kick off this new campaign and grateful to the athletes across the country who have joined together to support Count the Kicks,” said Emily Price, executive director of Healthy Birth Day, Inc., the nonprofit organization that created Count the Kicks. “Together we are raising awareness about how every kick counts, both on the field and during pregnancy, which has the potential to save babies nationwide.” 

Athletes looking to sign up, gather pledges, donate or to learn more can also go to EveryKickCounts.com.