COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The Mountain West presented San José State Director of Athletics Jeff Konya with the 2021-22 Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Community Service Award on Wednesday at halftime of the Spartans' men's basketball tournament game. Led by Assistant AD for Student-Athlete Development Tobruk Blaine, Beyond Sparta Coordinator Annalisa Duarte and SAAC Executive Board member Jada Mazury from women's gymnastics, the Spartans spent nearly 9,000 hours of community service over the last year and capture this prestigious award for the first time in school history.
"At the forefront of our Beyond Sparta program is a culture of volunteerism," said Blaine. "Through the Inspire Pillar of the program, our student-athletes strive to inspire themselves and others through the act of service. As a department, we build champions in the classroom, competition, and in the community; resulting in student-athletes creating a championship life. We are proud of our student-athletes as they will always rise to the occasion and support multiple important community outreach efforts; raising awareness and providing support to individuals who may otherwise not have the resources."
- Over 8,923 hours of community service
- Nearly $255,000 in economic impact from donations and service
- There were 145 opportunities for coaches, staff and student-athletes to participate
- All 22 sports at SJSU participated in some type of community service
- Over 200 sports bras were donated to the Bill Wilson Center benefiting local female youth experiencing homelessness
- Over 7,200 produces were donated during the Sanitary Product Drive, benefiting local females who access the Spartan Food Pantry and the Next Door Solutions
- Over 140 toys were donated for the Holiday Toy Drive benefiting local youth in need partnering with the San Jose African-American Community Service agency
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