Feb. 9, 2016
THE FLATS – Junior Katarina Vuckovic is one of five NCAA Division I women’s basketball student-athletes to be named to the 2016 Allstate WBCA Good Works team.
In its fourth year, this prestigious award honors college basketball athletes that have dedicated themselves to bettering the lives of others through giving back to their communities. The Allstate WBCA Good Works Teams® is comprised of 10 student-athletes; five from NCAA® Division I and five from NCAA Divisions II, III and the NAIA.
“We are very proud of Katarina for being named to the Allstate WBCA Good Works Team,” head coach MaChelle Joseph said. “It is a tremendous honor for her and our program.”
The 257 nominations were narrowed down to the final team rosters by voting panels led by former Duke University student-athlete, two-time NCAA champion and seven-time NBA All-Star Grant Hill and 10-time WNBA All-Star and University of Tennessee student-athlete Tamika Catchings. The voting panels are comprised of former coaches, esteemed college basketball athletes and media members.
“The WBCA is proud to continue its partnership with Allstate in recognizing these impressive student-athletes who are members of the 2016 Good Works Teams and who have invested their time and talents to enhance their respective communities,” said WBCA executive director and former Yellow Jacket Danielle Donehew. “We applaud them for their contributions and look forward to their continued service and leadership to further our society.”
Vuckovic joins Taylor Brown of George Mason University, Stephanie Davison of the University of Northern Iowa, Danielle Rodriguez of the University of Utah and Cortnee Walton of the University of Louisville on the NCAA Division I 2016 Allstate WBCA Good Works Team. The members of the Allstate WBCA Good Works Team® will be recognized during the 2016 WBCA Convention and at the 2016 NCAA Women’s Final Four® in Indianapolis, and will also participate in a local service project.
Vuckovic is the second Yellow Jacket to be named to the Allstate WBCA Good Works team in the past three years. Former Yellow Jacket Shayla Bivins was named to the team in 2014.
The Smederevo, Serbia, native has been involved in a number of community service initiatives since her arrival on campus in 2013. Vuckovic has volunteered with Urban Perform, helping to build a basketball court for the local community and participating in a Popsicle party with underserved children. Vukocvic has also volunteered at Safe House, a local soup kitchen, the Ronald McDonald House and the Boys and Girls Club Day for Kids.
Vuckovic has aided her teammates in adopting a family during the holidays every season and has visited patients at the Shepard Center. Vuckovic has also volunteered with Girls on the Run, helping promote healthy habits among local girls. She planted trees on campus during Tech Beautification Day and ran “Shoot for Shoes” during Earth Day at Tech. The junior has cheered on participants in the Alzheimer’s Walk and the Atlanta Breast Cancer walk. During the spring, she visits schools that have participated in the women’s basketball Jacket 2 Jacket reading program to read to the winners of the competition.
Vuckovic, who is a member of SAAB, traveled to the Dominican Republic this past summer with fellow Yellow Jackets for a service trip. During the trip, Vuckovic interacted with the locals, teaching them how to play different sports and helped build a house.
Along with excelling in the classroom and finding time to help others, Vuckovic has been a key factor for the Yellow Jackets on the court this season. She is averaging 7.8 points per game and 5.1 rebounds per game which are both third on the Jackets. She most recently recorded a double-double at Virginia Tech, leading the Jackets to victory.
Vuckovic and her teammates return to the hardwood on Thursday when they host No. 19 Miami at 7 p.m. at McCamish Pavilion on ESPN3.
–TogetherWeSwarm–
