St. John's University Athletics
Alisha Kebbe Receives Community Service Award
12/3/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
QUEENS, N.Y. -
Following the St. John's women's basketball 64-46 victory over Lafayette on Saturday afternoon, freshman guard Alisha Kebbe was honored by Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney for her outstanding community service and leadership efforts while both in high school and during her time at St. John's. The Philadelphia, Pa., product was honored with a miniature Liberty Bell representative of her home city.
"Alisha is a good kid, a great student and absolutely a clutch player," said Kenney. "She carried her team to a Catholic League Championship and she's fun to watch. She's a great kid, from southwest Philly, and she's on her way to great things here at St. John's. She, and all of our players really, are always willing to come back home and help out with things like summer camps and alumni games and it means a ton to us."
In addition to her outstanding high school playing career, in which Kebbe won two AA state championships with Neumann-Goretti high school, Kebbe spent her time giving back to the community while a captain of the Saints. Kebbe participated in toy drives for the Ronald McDonald House, has worked a number of summer basketball camps for kids, and plans to continue her efforts by playing in charitable alumni games.
"It means a lot to me. Everyone from back home is supporting me and that gives me a huge boost," said Kebbe. "I'm making sure that everything I do is not only for my team but also for my city of Philadelphia. I want to show kids you can get out of the city and do great things."
In just a few short months with the Red Storm, Kebbe has continued to stay involved with one of her biggest passions, giving back to the community. She participated in the St. John's Dribble for the Cure event, a Pediatric Cancer Research fundraiser, which raised a more than $105,000 this year. Kebbe has also dedicated her time to St. John's Bread and Life as well as Habitat for Humanity.
"I think that's part of our mission. Alisha epitomizes the Vincentian Mission and giving to those in need," said Head Coach Joe Tartamella. "She's always been extremely happy to lend a helping hand to all of our community service efforts. It's great to see the Mayor here to support her and helping her achieve her goals of earning a degree while playing basketball at the college level."
Kebbe's high school coach and former Red Storm guard Andrea Peterson travelled to Queens for the occasion and to support the freshman's achievements.
"She was huge for our program. She was our leader last year and has won two state championships with us as well as an MVP," said Peterson. "She had great leadership qualities. She can do some special things during her time at St. John's. She loves giving back. She's awesome with younger kids and has always been really into giving back to the community."
