While some of your favorite players are on the court battling for supremacy, they’re talents and contributions off-court are being recognized and rewarded. Let’s take a look at some of the accolades that the league’s top players have added to their resumes:
ESPYS
Wednesday night, the ESPYS went down in sunny Los Angeles, and some of our fave players were nominated for WNBA Player of the Year, including Maya Moore, Candace Parker, Diana Taurasi, and Brittney Griner. However, it was Most Improved Player and fan favorite Skylar Diggins who took home the honors.
ESPN Sports Humanitarian Award
To highlight the amazing and necessary work that athletes do off the field/court/rink, ESPN put together the first ever Sports Humanitarian Awards. While the Chicago Bulls took home the award in the team category, Fever’s Tamika Catchings took home the honor in the individual category for her work she’s put in with Catch The Stars Foundation. She was also awarded a $75,000 grant to use for the foundation, which teaches girls to overcome adversity, build self-esteems, and embracing their differences. Highlights of the awards show will air on ESPN on July 23rd.
Congrats @indianafever star @catchin24 on winning the @ESPN Citizenship #SportsHumanitarian of the Year Award! A photo posted by wnba (@wnba) on
WNBA Community Assist Award
It’s a great feeling to be recognized by industry peers for your hard work, but it’s an even greater feeling to be celebrated by your own league. That is the case for Jeanette Pohlen of the Indiana Fever, who was awarded the WNBA Community Assist Award presented by State Farm last month. As stated in last month’s press release by the league:
Since joining the league in 2011, Pohlen has remained committed to empowering youth in their education and development. In an effort to promote literacy, Pohlen serves as spokesperson for the Call-The-Fever program, a partnership with the Indianapolis Public Library where players read books to local kids. Pohlen recently spoke to youth at the Choices for Champions event at the Indiana State Fair Youth Arena prior to a preseason game in May. Alongside two Fever teammates, Pohlen stressed the importance of getting good grades, eating healthy and staying fit. In addition, she participated in Indianapolis’ Lemonpalooza Lemonade Day, inspiring young entrepreneurs to create and operate their own businesses.
Pohlen is also passionate about raising awareness for pulmonary fibrosis after losing her father to the disease in 2012. Continuing in her father’s footsteps to champion the cause, Pohlen encourages the Fever organization and her fellow teammates to support the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.
“I am honored to receive this award because giving back to the community is so important to me,” said Pohlen. “As professional athletes, we have an amazing opportunity to use our platform to help people and make a difference.”
Jeanette Pohlen after 2012 Championship win
Congratulations to these ladies for their hard work and dedication that us fans love so much!
