SAN DIEGO – Cammy Manes and Zach Nelson earned the Father Owen Mullen Service Award while Kathryn Brady and Kadee Sylla of women's rowing picked up the Spirit of the Torero Award as USD Athletics continued its week-long rollout of its annual Celebration of Excellence honors.
 
Manes, a 2020 graduate who competed for women's cross country and track, and Nelson, also a 2020 graduate and member of the football team, earned the Service Award after dedicating many hours in the community on top of their work in the classroom and on the playing field. Manes was one of the most active Toreros in the community this year, volunteering extensively with the Access Community Center. She helped address the needs of vulnerable and underserved populations in San Diego County by promoting self-sufficiency and economic independence.
 
Nelson, a starter and team captain for the Toreros, dedicated his senior year to working closely with David Vellon of Team IMPACT. Nelson and the team hosted Vellon and his family at practices and games throughout the season and even had him participate in the senior day ceremonies in November.
 
Brady and Sylla, seniors on the USD women's rowing team, showed their love and support of the Toreros by being constant supporters at games and events for all sports as well as serving as leaders for their team.
 
All week, USD Athletics will announce the Celebration of Excellence awards, which include the Highest GPA Awards (May 26), Father Owen Mullen Service Award (May 27), Spirit of the Torero Award (May 27), Newcomers of the Year (May 28), and Torero Athletes of the Year (May 29).
 
The annual awards, usually presented to Torero scholar-athletes at the Celebration of Excellence event in San Diego, were voted on by athletics administration and nominated by head coaches.
 
Father Owen Mullen Service Award
Cammy Manes (Women's Cross Country and Track)
Zach Nelson (Football)
The Owen Mullen Service Award honors a Torero who is making significant contributions to their community through their time, action, talent, dedication and service.
 
Other nominees: Natalie Copenhaver (Women's Soccer), Mina Ghazizadeh (Women's Soccer), Roxie Wilbin (Volleyball)
 
 
Spirit of the Torero Award
Kathryn Brady & Kadee Sylla (Women's Rowing)
The Spirit of the Torero Award is for the scholar-athlete, tandem or team that bleeds Torero Blue by displaying true dedication and passion for USD Athletics.
 
Other nominees: August Holmgren (Men's Tennis), Nigel Ward (Baseball)
 
 
Other award winners, so far:
Highest GPA Award
Senior Class
Clare Adams (Women's Rowing)
3.98 GPA
 
Junior Class
Jessica Ong (Women's Cross Country/Track)
4.0 GPA
 
Sophomore Class
Remington Hirano (Golf)
4.0 GPA