MIAMI (May 14, 2024) - FIU junior Michaelle Valentin is one of six recipients of the Conference USA Winter Spirit of Service Award, announced Tuesday by the league office. 

The award honors student-athletes with significant community service endeavors, good academic standing and participation in their sport. The Spirit of Service Award is presented three times throughout the season, with Tuesday's honorees representing track and field and basketball. Recipients are nominated by their institutions.

FIU graduate student Michaelle Valentin dedicated time in her community across many different avenues, including Whispering Manes Therapeutic Riding Center, Operation Christmas Child, Leters of Love, Relay for Life and Roarthon. The Apopka, Florida, native graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation and Recreational Therapy, is pursuing an M.S. in Recreation and Sport Management and is a seven-time Dean's List honoree.

2023-24 Winter Spirit of Service Award Recipients

FIU – Michaelle Valentin, Indoor Track and Field
Liberty – Omari Lewis, Indoor Track and Field
Louisiana Tech – Will Allen, Men's Basketball
New Mexico State – Molly Kaiser, Women's Basketball
UTEP – David Terrell, Jr., Men's Basketball
WKU – Jaylen Dorsey, Men's Basketball

"We continue to be proud of all the things Michaelle is accomplishing here at FIU," said head coach Ryan Heberling. "Michaelle is someone who gets what it's all about - on and off the track." 

This past weekend, Valentin earned the gold medal in the discus and the silver in the hammer at the Conference USA Outdoor Championships. 

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