DALLAS (April 5, 2021) - Kyla Nelson of FIU women's basketball was named a recipient of the Conference USA Spirit of Service Award, the league office announced on Monday. 

The award honors the league's student-athletes with significant community service endeavors, excellent academic standing and notable athletic achievements. The Spirit of Service Award is presented three times throughout the season, with Monday's honorees representing the winter sports. Nelson was one of 14 honorees, with each C-USA institution garnering a selection. 

"Couldn't be prouder of how Kyla's has represented our team on and off the court," Coach Jesyka Burks-Wiley said. "She continues to shine a light on the positive direction our program is headed with young women like her in it."

Nelson helped the Panthers earn their first postseason berth since 2013 as FIU won the consolation bracket of the Women's Basketball Invitational. The pair of wins secured FIU's first winning season since 2012-13 and gave head coach Jesyka Burks-Wiley the second-most wins in the country among first-year head coaches last season. Additionally, the Panthers won eight league games in 2020-21, which were the most-ever for the program in its C-USA history. 

Nelson averaged 13.9 points per contest, to finish second on the team. The guard led all of C-USA in three-point shooting percentage with 42.8% on the year, while draining a school-record 74 treys last season. 

Off the court, Nelson excelled in the classroom as she was named to the C-USA All-Academic Team after collecting a 3.78 GPA as a Communications Arts major. The senior guard donated her time this past year by writing Valentine's Day cards and brightening the spirits of sick children at St. Luke's Hospital in Miami.

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