Kentucky senior McKenzie Watson was named to the Southeastern Conference Community Service Team, the league announced on Wednesday. The SEC sponsors Community Service Teams for all 21 league sports. The team looks to highlight an athlete from each school who gives back to her community in superior service efforts.
Watson is involved in several different community service initiatives. She has worked with the Special Olympics in track & field and basketball, assisting in organizing athletes during different events, serving as a motivator for athletes before and after their respective events as well as playing against athletes in game. In addition to packing lunches for children of Lexington with God’s pantry, Watson has also volunteered at the Lexington Homeless Shelter, serving dinner to residents.
She also spent time at Williams Wells Brown Elementary, visiting with kids and talking to them about the importance of healthy living through sport. The Louisville, Kentucky, native worked with the school’s summer program that focuses on physical education, teaching volleyball and making healthy snacks for campers. She has participated in the Backpack Program as well.
This past July, Watson went on a mission to Ethiopia, visiting Cora – one of the poorest areas – delivering necessities and interacting with the local community. She is a three-time SEC Academic Honor Roll honoree.
Credit: Curtis Franklin
After being named the No. 10 seed in the NCAA Tournament, Kentucky will be back in action against Murray State on Friday at 7:30 p.m. inside Memorial Coliseum. Tickets can be found the here.
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For more information contact:
Grant Gearheart