SCOTTSDALE, AZ – The Fiesta Bowl Organization has partnered with the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) to present awards for exemplary community service and future opportunities in the collegiate space.

The Community Service award was designed to recognize NACDA Division I member institutions that make volunteerism and community service a way of life. Vanderbilt University was named the winner, following Boston College, University of Southern California and Maryland.

Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Vanderbilt earned the honor after 350 student-athletes gave back to their community through Dancing Dores and Dance Marathon for their local Children's Miracle Network Hospital. A 13-hour event allows student-athletes to meet, play games and interact with Miracle Families with sick or injured children. In the months leading up to the event, athletic teams raise funds for the hospital. They raised $42,000 in pre-event fundraising and another $18,000 in 24 hours for match day.

"Among an inspiring collection of applications, Vanderbilt student-athletes showed that giving back to their community is an important part of being a student-athlete and makes a longstanding impact on others," said Fiesta Bowl Executive Director Mike Nealy. "It's exciting to see all the applications and how athletics departments are contributing to their campus and overall communities. Dancing Dores is an exemplary program that Candice Storey Lee and the entire Vanderbilt Athletics family should be proud of."

Vanderbilt's Dancing Dores program is centered around student-athletes connecting and building meaningful relationships with local children and families served at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital, all while making an impact through their efforts to raise awareness and fundraise. The money raised directly impacts local children by making sure they have access to the best healthcare.

To support the next generation of leaders in the college athletics industry, a John McLendon Minority Postgraduate Scholarship is awarded annually to a student associated with an Arizona-based four-year institution.

Arizona State University's Sophia Elenga, who plans to pursue a master's in sport law and business this fall, is the winner after majoring in sport journalism and maintaining a 3.14 GPA. In 2014, she helped France win the U20 European Women's Basketball title. Elenga played basketball at ASU, where she was a three-time Sun Devil Scholar-Athlete.

"The McLendon Minority Scholarship develops the next generation of collegiate athletics leaders. Providing opportunities for learning and leadership will instill confidence and experience for the next steps in their careers," said Nealy. "Sophia is inspirational in how she moved to a new country, adapted to a new culture and committed to guide the student-athletes that will follow her. We're excited to see her career path blossom here at Arizona State University."

Elenga played two years for the Sun Devils and was a key contributor as the team advanced in the NCAA Tournament in both 2018-19 and 2017-18. She placed second on the team in field goal percentage and averaged 4.5 rebounds per game.

Originally from Nogent Sur Oise, France, Elenga began here college career at Cochise College where she earned First Team All-Arizona Community College Athletic Conference and All-Region honors.
 
ABOUT FIESTA BOWL
Since 1971, the Fiesta Bowl is a world-class community organization that executes innovative experiences, drives economic growth and champions charitable causes, inspiring pride in all Arizonans during and outside of college football bowl season. As a nonprofit organization, it is driven by its vision for the importance of community outreach and service. Through the PlayStation® Fiesta Bowl, Cactus Bowl and our year-round events, such as the Fiesta Bowl Parade, presented by Cheez-It®, corporate partnerships and numerous community events throughout the year, the organization provides charitable giving to enhance Arizona nonprofit organizations that serve communities through youth, sports and education.
 
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Media Contacts: Scott Leightman (sleightman@fiestabowl.org; 480.517.6291); Alex Nash (anash@fiestabowl.org; 480.350.0925)