Katie Martincich, a Kansas University volleyball player, has been named the Big 12 Conference female sportsperson of the year.

Martincich, a setter from Miege High in Roeland Park who will be a senior this fall, was honored for her participation in community outreach programs.

She has been involved with Habitat for Humanity, the Susan G. Komen Foundation and National Girls and Women in Sports Field Day. She also assisted with providing gifts for underprivileged children at Christmas.

In addition, after learning of the Big 12's initiative to enhance its relationship with Special Olympics, Martincich organized a meeting with fellow student-athletes and Chris Hahn, the CEO of Special Olympics Kansas.

That meeting resulted in the inaugural Jayhawk SAAC-sponsored Special Olympics Bowling Challenge on May 4. Martincich met with the owners of Royal Crest Lanes and convinced them to donate use of the entire facility and game room for the event. More than 100 Special Olympians and 100 KU student-athletes participated.

It's the second straight year a KU athlete has won the award. Senior golfer Amanda Costner won last year.