19 Jun 2024 Allen, Smith receive OVC Community Service Awards

Little Rock juniors Abbie Smith and Joel Allen are 2023-24 recipients of the Ohio Valley Conference Community Service Awards, announced today by the OVC.

The conference began the awards in 2022-23 and selects one male and one female student-athlete from each member institution. The OVC recognized a total of 20 student-athletes this year.

Smith, a member of the Little Rock Soccer program from Murfreesboro, Tenn., has been a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) for three years, serving as an executive board member for the last two. She spent countless hours volunteering in a number of ways, including the on-campus food pantry, where she sorted through donations, as well as at the Little Rock Marathon, distributing water to race participants. She has also donated her time as a volunteer during a Diversity and Inclusion event on campus.

“I am really proud of Abbie for being recognized as an OVC Community Service Award Winner,” Little Rock Soccer head coach Kelly Farrell said. “Abbie is a great representative of our program in the classroom, on the field, and in the Little Rock community. Abbie is a model student-athlete and I appreciate her commitment to excellence in all facets of the student-athlete lifestyle.” 

Allen, a Youngsville, La. Native and member of the Cross Country and Track & Field programs, has also served in the SAAC for three years with one year on the executive board. His volunteer work has covered everything from the Little Rock Marathon and local middle school track meet held on campus, to the Children’s International “Trunk or Treat” and local Cornbread Festival.

“I am not surprised that Joel was recognized for all he does in the community,” said J.P. Behnke, Little Rock Track & Field head coach. “Not only has Joel been a leader among our men’s distance squad, but he is always quick to put his hand up if an opportunity arises to volunteer or help others in the Little Rock community.”