TOLEDO, OH - Senior Brenae Harris recently received the Chuck Ealey Undefeated Spirit Award at the University of Toledo's Songfest in Savage Arena. The award was presented in conjunction with the Chuck Ealey Foundation. Harris becomes the fourth women's basketball player to collect this prestigious award, joining Allie Clifton in 2010, Melissa Goodall in 2011 and Andola Dortch in 2012.
    
The primary criteria for this honor is displaying an inspiring drive and leadership with their teammates, campus, community and/or youth. The person must also possess strong family values with strong family support, as well as a strong focus on education and community/campus involvement.

Harris transferred to UT from the University of Michigan and arrived on campus injured for the 2013-14 campaign with bilateral stress fractures. The Marion, OH native underwent Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection Therapy in both legs and was not permitted to run or practice for the entire season. Harris had to learn how to run properly again upon her return in the summer of 2014. 

In regards to strong family values and support, Harris' parents, William Jr. and Gwendolyn, were both student-athletes at Alabama State University and have always provided her guidance and support regarding the importance of balancing academics and athletics. Her parents were also a staple in the stands at games over the last two years and always provided encouraging words and advice. Her sister, Brittany, was also her biggest fan and was present at most games.

And finally when considering a strong focus on education and community/campus involvement, Harris currently holds a 3.579 cumulative GPA as a communication major and has been a member of UT Dean's List in three out of the last four semesters. A two-time Academic All-MAC selection, Harris also possesses a strong sense of community involvement, which includes volunteering her time with Habitat for Humanity, Race for the Cure, ALS Toledo Chapter, Make-A-Wish Foundation, TNC Church and Toledo Children's Hospital, as well as coaching basketball clinics through the Padua Center for inner city youth and at Christ the King School.  

On the court, Harris paced the Rockets in scoring (14.8 ppg), assists (5.2 apg), minutes played (36.8 mpg), free throw percentage (.869, 126-of-145) and three-point field-goal percentage (.392, 20-of-51) this past season. The 2015-16 team captain also ranked second on the squad in overall rebounding (5.1 rpg), steals (1.1 spg) and blocked shots (14).

The 2015-16 first-team All-MAC honoree ranked first in the league in minutes played, second in free throw percentage and helpers, eighth in assist/turnover ratio (1.7, 155-93), ninth in scoring and 15th in defensive caroms (4.2 rpg).

Harris concluded the year third in UT history in free throw percentage and tied for 10th (1,105) in minutes played in the single-season record book.

The two-time all-conference selection produced double digits in points on a team-high 20 occasions in 2015-16, including a career-best 39 points against Columbia in the opening round of the ASU Classic on Dec. 5. She converted a collegiate-best 12 field goals and a career-high 13 free throws against the Lions to equal the third-most points in school history in a single game.

Harris led the Rockets in helpers a squad-best 22 times, scoring on a team-high 12 occasions, thefts 11 times, rejections on a squad-best 10 occasions and rebounding seven times.

In MAC play, Harris tallied team highs in points (14.5 ppg), assists (league-high 5.5 apg), free-throw percentage (conference-best 85.1 percent, 74-of-87) and minutes played (league-high 38.1 mpg). She was the only player to lead the league in multiple categories. 

Harris wrapped up her collegiate career sixth in school history in free throw percentage (.814, 193-of-237).