Dec. 21, 2010

Irving, Texas - Conference USA Commissioner Britton Banowsky announced today the 12 student-athletes that received the 2010-11 Fall C-USA Spirit of Service Award, and senior women's soccer player Brandi Neilson was Tulsa's honoree.

The award is designed to recognize the community service efforts of the league's student-athletes based upon significant community service, good academic standing and participation in their elected sport. The Spirit of Service award is presented three times throughout the year, with today's honorees representing C-USA's fall sports: football, soccer, volleyball and cross country.

Neilson has given much of her time to the Tulsa area schools. At Kendall-Whittier Elementary School, Neilson has served as a mentor and has spoken to the students on several occasions. She has volunteered at Wilson Middle School with soccer practice and at Hawthorne Elementary School, where she joined with the Get Lean Tulsa program to lead exercises for students in an attempt to encourage personal fitness. Neilson has also read to the students at Celia Clinton Elementary School and has volunteered with the Pet Adoption League.

A four-year letterwinner, Neilson started 68 of 77 games during her career, while posting three goals and five assists.

2010-11 FALL C-USA SPIRIT OF SERVICE HONOREES

Rachel Fuller, East Carolina, Women's Soccer

Jasmine Trier, Houston, Women's Cross Country

Jordan Hilgefort, Marshall, Men's Soccer

Dominik Riley, Memphis, Football

Cheta Ozougwu, Rice, Football

Joe Cooper, SMU, Men's Soccer

Austin Davis, Southern Miss, Football

Julia Whitrock, Tulane, Women's Cross Country

Brandi Neilson, Tulsa, Women's Soccer

Tucker Stone, UAB, Men's Soccer

Kristin Fisher, UCF, Volleyball

Jonny Moore, UTEP, Football