IRVING, Texas – Alexis Cheatum, a three-year member of the University of Houston’s women’s volleyball team, was selected as the 2021 recipient of the American Athletic Conference Community Impact Award as chosen by members of the conference’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
 
The award recognizes a student-athlete who has made an impact in either the surrounding or campus community through service work. One student-athlete or group from each American member is eligible for nomination each academic year. The award includes a donation from The American in Cheatum’s name to the Houston athletic department.
 
A native of Austin, Texas, Cheatum was a leading activist with Texas universities and organizations to combat racial injustice and gender inequality. She led efforts on Houston’s campus to increase voter registration and turnout and was selected by Houston mayor Sylvester Turner to establish the Mayor’s Challenge – an initiative that focused on increasing voter participation at Houston, Texas State and Rice during the 2020 election. She also assisted in the effort to have Houston’s TDECU Stadium serve as a polling location on Election Day.  
 
Cheatum has played in 46 matches and 119 sets through her first three seasons at Houston. She is a three-time selection to the American Athletic Conference All-Academic Team.