University of Pittsburgh Athletics
ACC Recognizes Pitt Top Six For Service
4/20/2026 9:31:00 AM | Football, General, Women's Gymnastics, Women's Soccer, Wrestling, Track & Field, Women's Lacrosse
PITTSBURGH – Six University of Pittsburgh student-athletes were honored by the ACC with the league's Top Six for Service Award, an honor presented annually to student-athletes from each ACC institution that demonstrate dedication to community service and outreach programs.
The Panthers' six student-athlete recipients include: Gracie Kahoun (Women's Lacrosse), Nilay Upadhyayula (Football), Mateo De La Pena (Wrestling), Hailey Kravetz (Track & Field), Mya Archibald (Women's Soccer) and Reyna Garvey (Gymnastics).
The recipients have shown a willingness to help others and demonstrated a passion for wanting to enrich the lives of those around them.
More information on Pitt's honorees:
Gracie Kahoun (Women's Lacrosse) - Completed 129 hours and 30 minutes of community service this year, setting the standard for what it means to give back … Consistently the first student-athlete to sign up for service opportunities and approaches every event with unmatched enthusiasm … Most meaningful impact has been her commitment to visiting Julia, a young girl who has undergone multiple organ transplants at UPMC Children's Hospital … Beyond her hospital visits, Gracie mentors Julia's older sister, supporting her through her freshman year of high school and helping her navigate the challenges of balancing school and family health struggles … Her dedication to the Pitt community and her willingness to invest deeply in others truly sets her apart.
Nilay Upadhyayula (Football) - Contributed 39 hours of community service, dedicating much of his time to mentoring students from Pittsburgh's Hill District … Works closely with these students to encourage academic success, reinforce the importance of higher education, and help them stay motivated as they prepare for their next chapter … Also volunteers with Special Olympics, where he supports and encourages athletes with disabilities, helping create inclusive and empowering experiences … Through mentorship and service, Nilay continues to positively impact young people both on and off the field.
Mateo De La Pena (Wrestling) - With 34 hours and 30 minutes of service, Mateo has made a meaningful impact across a wide range of initiatives … Regularly volunteers with the Boys & Girls Club, assisting with chess programs, sports clinics, and Special Olympics basketball … During the holiday season, Mateo goes above and beyond - donating and delivering canned goods to a local senior center and purchasing and wrapping gifts for children in need … Another student-athlete who never hesitates to step up, consistently participating in any community service opportunity available and embodying a true spirit of generosity.
Hailey Kravetz (Track & Field) - Has completed 28 hours and 30 minutes of service while also helping create lasting programming in the community … Co-founded the Run Pittsburgh Club, where she and fellow track and field student-athletes developed and led an after-school program to mentor and guide youth pursuing track & field … As co-chair, Hailey supports the club's social media and marketing efforts, helping expand its reach and impact … In addition, she volunteers for MLK Day of Service with Pitt Serves and participates in Pitt's Civic Action Week, engaging in activities such as reading to local schools and cleaning up neighborhoods throughout Pittsburgh … Leadership and initiative have created sustainable opportunities for youth engagement.
Mya Archibald (Women's Soccer) - Has completed 22 hours and 30 minutes of community service, recently participating in the Special Olympics Polar Plunge to raise awareness and funds for athletes with special needs … Also volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters, serving food during the holidays and distributing new coats to families in need … Additionally, Mya participated in the Pitt Dance Marathon Fashion Show, walking alongside a child from UPMC Children's Hospital to help raise funds and awareness … Compassion and willingness to support multiple causes demonstrate her commitment to serving the greater Pittsburgh community.
Reyna Garvey (Gymnastics) - Has completed 22 hours of service while serving as SAAC's Co-Chair for Community Service … In this leadership role, she keeps fellow student-athletes informed about service opportunities and actively creates new initiatives based on feedback from her peers … Not only promotes engagement—she leads by example, attending every SAAC-hosted community service event … Also encourages participation in Pitt Dance Marathon, helping increase awareness and involvement across teams … Leadership ensures that community service remains a central pillar of the student-athlete experience.
Players Mentioned
