Dec. 18, 2013

IRVING, Texas - Louisiana Tech goalkeeper Caitlin Updyke was one of 16 student-athletes announced today by Conference USA Commissioner Britton Banowsky as receiving the C-USA Fall Spirit of Service Award.

The C-USA Spirit of Service Award is designed to recognize the community service efforts of the league's student-athletes, based upon significant community service, good academic standing and participation in their elected sport.

Updyke started 17 games in goal this past season for the LA Tech women's soccer team, going 7-10 in net with a career-high 85 total saves which earned her a spot on the second team All-C-USA.

The outgoing senior recorded six shutouts with four of those coming in conference play. She also registered at least six saves in six matches, including a career-high 12 saves at 2013 NCAA participant and C-USA champion Colorado College in a heartbreaking double overtime loss.

The Broomfield, Colo. native finished her four-year career with the most saves, wins and shutouts in program history.

Also during her four years as a Lady Techster, she volunteered to teach local children soccer twice a week, participated in Walk for Cure fundraisers and assisted with St. Jude telethons.

A nutrition and dietetics major, Updyke is a three-time academic all-conference selection and three-time member of the Dean's List.

The Spirit of Service award will be presented three times through the 2013-14 season, with today's honorees representing Conference USA's fall sports: football, soccer, volleyball and cross country.

For complete coverage of LA Tech Soccer, please follow @LATechSOC on Twitter or visit the official home of Louisiana Tech Athletics at www.LATechSports.com.

2013-14 FALL C-USA SPIRIT OF SERVICE HONOREES:

Tyler Gibson, Charlotte, Men's Soccer

Chaz Lowery, East Carolina, Football

Sara Stewart, FIU, Women's Soccer

Mustafa Johnson, Florida Atlantic, Football

Caitlin Updyke, Louisiana Tech, Women's Soccer

Laura Der, Marshall, Volleyball

Kelsey Brouwer, Middle Tennessee, Women's Soccer

Courtney Windham, North Texas, Volleyball

Nate Barnes, Old Dominion, Football

Klein Kubiak, Rice, Football

Corey Acosta, Southern Miss, Football

Amber Bennett, Tulane, Volleyball

Casey Fitzgerald, Tulsa, Men's Cross Country

Jasmine Kauka, UAB, Women's Soccer

Azia Nicholson, UTEP, Women's Soccer

Eric Soza, UTSA, Football