West Central Reporter

The Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) has announced the recipients of the 2024-2025 Community Service Awards. Among the honorees is Kayla Turner, a women's soccer player from Western Illinois University. Turner was recognized for her community service efforts during the 2024-25 academic year.

The award, which began in the 2022-23 academic year, acknowledges student-athletes for their contributions beyond athletics, both on campus and within their communities. Each OVC member institution could nominate one male and one female student-athlete for recognition. This year, a total of 18 individuals received the award.

"The OVC has always been about a sense of community," stated OVC Commissioner Beth DeBauche. "We are delighted to continue to bestow these awards to these outstanding student-athletes who are giving back to their communities."

Turner dedicated 189.65 hours to community service during the academic year, primarily at Wesley Village Retirement Center in Macomb. She also participated in activities such as food pantry events, 5K races, and athletic home events outside of soccer. Turner will return to Western Illinois University in the fall for her final year with the Leathernecks.

For more information on Leatherneck Women's Soccer, visit GoLeathernecks.com or follow them on social media platforms including X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.