Imani Boyette earns citizenship award

By Steve Lansdale

AUSTIN, Texas — Former Texas center Imani Boyette was named Friday as the recipient of the 2016 J.J. “Jake” Pickle Citizenship Award. Just two weeks after being drafted by the WNBA’s Chicago Sky, Boyette was unable to personally pick up the award, which was accepted on her behalf by her husband, Paul.

The award is given in honor of[s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)] the former congressman. Boyette earned the award for the impact she has made on the UT campus, helping to raise awareness for mental health and sexual violence prevention by telling her story through poetry.

Boyette said that receiving an award named after Pickle carries considerable

“Winning this award means I’ll carry on his legacy,” Boyette said. “I’m really humbled.”

“I struggled with suicidal thoughts, dealt with depression and was abused growing up. It’s a cause that’s near and dear to my heart. Without opportunities at the University, I wouldn’t have been able to come into my own as a person and grapple with these issues.”

Boyette has donated her time to help local students get excited about academics, and has volunteered at the Austin State Hospital. She said that in Chicago, she will get involved with the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

“I have to continue to give back and be a pillar of light throughout my life,” Boyette said. “Basketball gives me an avenue to keep doing this very important work.”

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