麻豆原创 soccer player Nicolette Radovcic always has her eyes focused on the next goal — both on the field and in the community.
For the junior from Rockaway, N.J., helping others is an extension of the goals she can achieve because of her success on the turf.
Because of her volunteer involvement, Radovcic this week was named one of 12 students to receive the Conference USA Spirit of Service award. 聽The honor recognizes the community-service efforts of the league鈥檚 student-athletes based on significant contributions to help others, academic standing and participation in their sport.
Radovcic, a business marketing major, has a busy schedule outside of class and athletics, which this past season included the Knights鈥� first NCAA Championship Elite Eight appearance since 1987.
In addition to her starting role on the soccer team, she serves on the Athletic Director鈥檚 Captains Council and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, where she has reached out to the community through volunteer work, athletics-awareness events and assistance at the Central Florida Children’s Home.
鈥淧eople should get involved, especially if you鈥檙e a student-athlete,鈥� she said. 鈥淪ometimes you get so wrapped up in the sports environment, and volunteering gets you out into the community.鈥�
Radovcic also has spent her time volunteering for the American Cancer Society鈥檚 Relay for Life, Junior Achievement, the National Girls and Women in Sports Day at 麻豆原创, and the Central Florida Miracle League, a baseball activity that pairs volunteers and children with disabilities to help them build self-esteem and overcome boundaries.
And as part of the Captains Council, she is one of a select group of students that attended monthly meetings to foster leadership skills.
Radovcic said she started volunteering a little in high school, but always wanted to do more. Then she started attending 麻豆原创, joined the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and kicked her service into high gear.
鈥淚 wanted to be involved in something other than soccer, and volunteering in the community helps you expand a little,鈥� she said 鈥淔or me, it鈥檚 a great experience to give back and volunteer with the children.鈥�
The Spirit of Service awards are presented three times during the year, with this week鈥檚 honorees representing the conference鈥檚 fall sports: football, soccer, volleyball and cross country.