Nov. 8, 2012
UCF Athletics Social Media Directory
By Amanda Szylin
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - Rob Calabrese is recognized on the field for his extraordinary play every week by Knights fans, but this week, he was honored with the National Consortium for Academics and Sports award. The NCAS was established in 1985 by Richard Lapchick at the Center for the Study of Sports in Society at Northeastern University, but was moved to UCF in 2001.
This award focuses on keeping the meaning of the word 'student' in student-athlete. The purpose of the NCAS is to create a better society by focusing on educational attainment and using the power and appeal of sport to positively affect social change.
Calabrese seems to fit the definition quite well. He was awarded the honor because of his exemplary community service record and academic achievements, all while being a student-athlete. He met with kids in Winter Park in 2010 as a part of the Achieve a College Education program and emphasized the importance of earning a degree.
Calabrese graduated with a degree in interdisciplinary studies last spring with a 2.96 GPA and is currently working on his master's. He also participated in the 2011 American Cancer Society Relay for Life and spent time at the UCF Creative School for Children inspiring young kids.
Just because Calabrese is being recognized for his community service doesn't mean he plans on stopping now. He visited East Lake Elementary School this past Wednesday with teammates Kemal Ishmael, Lyle Dankenbring, and Billy Giovanetti as a part of the Great Florida Teach-In 2012. The focus of this visit was to speak to kindergarten, first and second graders about UCF, playing football and how important it is to get an education.