University of Memphis Athletics
Volleyball's Heather Watts Named Coca-Cola Community All-American
Feb 21, 2005 | Women's Volleyball
Feb. 21, 2005
MEMPHIS, Tenn.-- - University of Memphis volleyball standout Heather Watts has been selected as a Coca-Cola Community All-American for her leadership and extensive involvement in local community service efforts. Watts will now be placed on the national ballot as the University of Memphis' representative for national Coca-Cola Community All-American.
Watts, who serves as The University of Memphis' Student-Athlete Advisory Council President, has been involved in several community service activities at Memphis, both as a participant and a leader. She has volunteered countless hours of her time to activities, including the Adopt-An-Angel Christmas program, Thanksgiving food and canned food drives.
Known for her accomplishments on the volleyball court, the Sandy, Utah native, has worked with athletes, senior citizen's and children as a Physical Therapy volunteer at Campbell's Clinic, Mid-South Physical Therapy, Orthopedic Specialists and Baptist Rehab.
Not only has Watts been a participant, but she has taken on a leadership role in community service. As the U of M volleyball team captain and SAAC President, she is charged with initiating programs, workshops and other events that have helped get other student-athletes at the University of Memphis involved. Her guidance has given other student-athletes a different respect for volunteering and being active in the community.
Watts, who received her degree in Exercise Sports and Science in August 2004, has been involved in the Avon Lennox program for special needs children as well as serving as a tutoring in the Athletic Academics department.
"Heather is in involved in so many service activities, as a leader and a participant," said Trece Hayslett, University of Memphis Life Skills director. "It is difficult to measure just how much of an impact she has had on the community."
Watts finished her volleyball career at Memphis as the most decorated player in Memphis volleyball history after a banner year in 2004. She was named 2004 Conference USA Setter of the Year, 2004 All C-USA First Team and 2004 C-USA All-Tournament team. She was a five-time C-USA Setter of the Week honoree and finished as Memphis' and C-USA's single-season assists record holder
The Coca-Cola Community All-Americans program is designed to help institutions recognize, celebrate and applaud student-athletes who are making a difference in their communities.
The National Association of Collegiate Athletic Directors (NACDA) will notify the six institutions whose nominated student-athletes have been selected as the 2004/05 national Coca-Cola Community All-American winners in April. The top six student-athlete community volunteers from around the country will be recognized and rewarded with Coca-Cola Community All-American honors in national media and at the NACDA Convention in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, on June 16, 2005. Those six national Coca-Cola Community All-Americans will receive an award, and Coca-Cola will make a $5,000 donation to the community or philanthropic service of their choice.
