Dec. 13, 2005

PITTSBURGH--Pitt women's soccer goalkeeper Jamie Pelusi was selected as one of six finalists for the Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup, presented by Athletes for a Better World. The Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup is presented to two distinguished athletes from any sport -- one intercollegiate and one professional -- that best display character, teamwork and citizenship. The award is for athletes who have displayed excellence both on and off the field and have proved to be role models both as performers and people.

The selection and awarding of the Cup is governed by the Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup Committee, chaired by Vincent Dooley and composed of selected members of the National Board, the Athletic Advisory Board and other special members. To qualify for nomination, the athlete must exemplify the following values: train with a disciplined, consistent work ethic, demonstrate fair play and sportsmanship, develop positive supportive relationship with teammates and coaches, win or lose with grace and dignity, contribute significantly to society through the gifts of time or money.

"I could not think of anyone more fitting or deserving of the prestigious Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup," Pitt women's soccer coach Sue-Moy Chin said of Pelusi. "I have been able to work with Jamie on an individual basis day in and day out. She has a tremendous drive, passion and determination. Jamie is a fierce competitor but is earnest in victory as well as defeat. Jamie is not only an amazing athlete and a giving humanitarian, but she is also an outstanding student. I have never met anyone like her she genuinely cares about other people and puts them above herself. She is selfless and has the desire to make the world a better place."

During the 2005 season, Pelusi (Pitsburgh, Pa./Hampton) led her team to the Big East Tournament for the first time since 1998 and was named to the All-Big East Team. She concluded her senior season ranked second in the Big East in saves (119), an average of 6.61 per game. She started all 18 games and recorded four shutouts. She also ranked second in the conference in save percentage (.824). In 2004, Pelusi became Pitt's third all-time recipient of the Big East Goalkeeper of the Year and was also selected to the All-Big East First Team.

Pelusi has also contributed to the Pittsburgh community in various ways. She was the Vice President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee during the 2004-05 school year and attended the Big East Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Meeting in 2003 and 2004. During the summer of 2005, Pelusi was a National Youth Sports Partnership camp counselor and volunteered 50 hours of community service to Healthy Oakland People, an organization that encourages the elderly to stay active. She has also led diversity sessions with the PAWS program at Pitt and has volunteered 20 hours in an after-school program at Trees Hall for local youths.

Pelusi has also excelled academically. She is a three-time Big East Academic All-Star and GTE Academic All-District selection.

The Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup award will be presented at the East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta in January, 2006.