UCF soccer player Nicolette Radovcic always has her eyes focused on the next goal — both on the field and in the community.

For the junior from Rockaway, N.J., helping others is an extension of the goals she can achieve because of her success on the turf.

Because of her volunteer involvement, Radovcic this week was named one of 12 students to receive the Conference USA Spirit of Service award.  The honor recognizes the community-service efforts of the league’s student-athletes based on significant contributions to help others, academic standing and participation in their sport.

Radovcic, a business marketing major, has a busy schedule outside of class and athletics, which this past season included the Knights’ first NCAA Championship Elite Eight appearance since 1987.

In addition to her starting role on the soccer team, she serves on the Athletic Director’s Captains Council and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, where she has reached out to the community through volunteer work, athletics-awareness events and assistance at the Central Florida Children’s Home.

“People should get involved, especially if you’re a student-athlete,” she said. “Sometimes you get so wrapped up in the sports environment, and volunteering gets you out into the community.”

Radovcic also has spent her time volunteering for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, Junior Achievement, the National Girls and Women in Sports Day at UCF, and the Central Florida Miracle League, a baseball activity that pairs volunteers and children with disabilities to help them build self-esteem and overcome boundaries.

And as part of the Captains Council, she is one of a select group of students that attended monthly meetings to foster leadership skills.

Radovcic said she started volunteering a little in high school, but always wanted to do more. Then she started attending UCF, joined the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and kicked her service into high gear.

“I wanted to be involved in something other than soccer, and volunteering in the community helps you expand a little,” she said “For me, it’s a great experience to give back and volunteer with the children.”

The Spirit of Service awards are presented three times during the year, with this week’s honorees representing the conference’s fall sports: football, soccer, volleyball and cross country.