April 8, 2009
ORLANDO, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - UCF senior track and field athlete Dione Thomas (Jacksonville, Fla.) will receive the winter Conference USA Spirit of Service award, C-USA Commissioner Britton Banowsky announced Wednesday. Thomas is one of 12 student-athletes from the league to gain the honor for the winter season.
The award was designed by the league office 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 will be presented three times throughout the season, with the winter honorees representing the following sports: men's and women's basketball, indoor track & field, rifle and swimming.
An active participant in community service, Thomas has volunteered at the Autism Speaks Walk for Autism assisting runners and playing fitness games with walk participants. She has also participated in the Miracle League - a baseball league for physically and mentally disabled children. Thomas has also volunteered at the Central Florida Children's Home - a home for children whose parents will not or cannot take care of them. Lastly, she helped clean up a campsite at Quest Thunderbird, which works with disabilities by offering choices and opportunities to learn, live, work and play.
The award marks the second high distinction Thomas has received from C-USA in recent weeks. She was also named the C-USA Indoor Field Athlete of the Year at the conclusion of the indoor season. During a successful indoor campaign, Thomas claimed the individual event title at the C-USA Championships and earned All-American accolades in the triple jump.
Thomas is also the school record holder in the indoor and outdoor triple jump as well as the indoor long jump. A business administration major, Thomas is on schedule to graduate in May and plans to pursue a professional track and field career.
Now in the outdoor season, Thomas and the UCF track and field team compete this Saturday, April 11, at the Miami Elite Invitational in Miami, Fla.
For the latest news on the Knights, log on to www.UCFAthletics.com - the official site for UCF varsity sports. The site, which also contains ticket and Golden Knights Club donor information, is also the home of UCF's new online apparel store. Also visit www.UCFPhotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pictures.