MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Middle Tennessee sophomore Courtney Whitson has been honored as a Conference USA Spirit of Service recipient after helping lead the Lady Raiders to the 2021 league championship.

The award honors one student-athlete from each of the league's 14 members with significant community service endeavors, good academic standing, and participation in their sport.

Whitson averaged 10.8 points and 7.8 rebounds during the 2020-21 season and ran her games started streak to 54 straight as she has started every game of her Lady Raider career.

The Kingsport, Tenn., native was named to the C-USA All-Tournament team after averaging 15.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and shooting 52 percent (12-of-23) from 3-point range during the championship run, including a game-high 22 points in the title game vs. Rice. Whitson tied the championship game record with six 3-pointers vs. Rice.

Whitson is an English major who carries a 3.787 GPA and has been a member of the C-USA Commissioner honor roll. She has made an impact around the Middle Tennessee campus through her many community service endeavors.