By Karl Roskamp
Pitcher Chelsea Thomas is already a two-time All-American and an Academic All-District honoree. Now, she is also a member of the Southeastern Conference’s Community Service team.
The SEC announced the annual team that recognizes athletes who give back to their community in superior service efforts. One player from each softball team in the conference is selected to be part of the team, one of 21 community service teams the conference sponsors.
Thomas was recognized for planning the Mizzou Moves pilot program, which teaches elementary school students in the Columbia area about exercise and healthy eating. In addition, she teaches Missouri’s Court Appointed Special Advocates clinics, showing softball and baseball skills to attendees. She has also spoken at the Tiger Village Retirement Home and organized the softball team’s annual “Christmas Adopt-A-Family” gifts.
Thomas is expected to take the field again on Thursday in the SEC Tournament. No. 11 Missouri will face No. 22 Arkansas at 3 p.m. at John Cropp Stadium in Lexington, Ky.
The 2013 SEC Softball Community Service Team is as follows:
Ryan Iamurri, Junior, Alabama
Hope McLemore, Senior, Arkansas
Baylee Stephens, Senior, Auburn
Kelsey Horton, Senior, Florida
Maya Branch, Senior, Georgia
Kara Dill, Senior, Kentucky
Allison Falcon, Junior, LSU
Brittany Broome, Senior, Ole Miss
Jessica Cooley, Senior, Mississippi State
Chelsea Thomas, R-Senior, Missouri
Julie Sarratt, R-Sophomore, South Carolina
Melissa Brown, Senior, Tennessee
Allison Garrett, Junior, Texas A&M