Tamika Catchings named ESPN's Sports Humanitarian of the Year

Indiana Fever star forward Tamika Catchings received a very prestigious honor Tuesday, as she was awarded ESPN's first-ever Sports Humanitarian of the Year.

Catchings has always been known for her exceptional humanitarian work, especially with the work she's done with her Catch the Stars foundation.

Here is an excerpt from the release:

At a ceremony held Tuesday at the Conga Room at L.A. Live, the Chicago Bulls and Tamika Catchings (WNBA’s Indiana Fever), were honored for the positive impact they have on their community, taking home the team and individual honors at the first-ever Sports Humanitarian of the Year Awards, presented by ESPN and PlayStation®.  The inaugural event brought together various sports leagues and governing bodies to pay tribute to the collective good of sports and to raise more than $500,000 in net proceeds for The V Foundation’s Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Fund, as well as funding various grants.

Catchings, honored with the Sports Humanitarian of the Year, received a $75,000 grant to advance the impact of her charity, Catch the Stars Foundation. Catchings teaches youth about embracing their differences, building their self-esteem and overcoming obstacles. The Foundation also promotes fitness, literacy and mentoring to youth in Indianapolis. Catchings has served on the U.S. Department of State’s Council to Empower Women and Girls through Sports and has supported countless programs in the community through her unwavering volunteer efforts and financial support.

"I am humbled and very appreciative of the ESPN family, along with all of the people who voted for my Catch the Stars Foundation and me," Catchings said. "Winning this award is way more valuable than the monetary donation that comes along with it – it’s about being able to continue to impact the lives of so many youth that aspire to dream and reach their goals. We will continue pouring our efforts into the lives of our youth through our fitness, literacy and mentoring programs. What an honor and a blessing to be able to bless others!"

Catchings, who has always been a great presence on the court, has been an even bigger All-Star off the court, with the many charitable things she's done throughout the tenure of her career. Catchings also has been selected to play in her 10th WNBA All-Star Game.