Senior Brandie Jay was named to the SEC Gymnastics Community Service Team, announced by the conference office Friday morning.
Jay received the honor after distinguishing herself in volunteerism, donating her time to a wide variety of causes since arriving on campus as a freshman.
“She does have a passion for animals but also for helping people,” said Georgia head coach Danna Durante about her senior standout. “She has, for her entire career, gone above and beyond in serving her community, serving others and serving her team. She’s absolutely deserving of this award.”
The Fort Collins, Colorado native, deemed a “quintessential servant-leader” by assistant coach Phil Ogletree, has given her time, energy and passion to a long list of activities in her four years in Athens. Ranging from becoming a Be the Match blood marrow donor to fostering shelter dogs, Jay has been a mainstay in community service initiatives.
She has spoken at Oconee Elementary, advocated for the No More campaign against domestic violence and sexual assault, and participated in the In Their Shoes breast cancer run and Special Olympics SOAR run. She has been a supporter of the End It movement to end slavery worldwide and has helped instruct Special Olympics gymnastics classes and led the Special Olympics baseball game.
“The Gymdog program is so blessed with community support and we feel very strongly about giving back to the community,” added Durante. “Whether it’s through helping out with the Special Olympics, or in Brandie’s case the humane society, there are so many different ways that our team gives back to the community. We want to make sure that we give back all of those blessings that we have received.”
The Gymdogs compete in the afternoon session of the SEC Championship on Saturday, starting at 2 p.m. at Verizon Arena in North Little Rock, Arkansas.
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