11/13/26 | Football, Softball
EUGENE, Ore. – Oregon football wide receiver Jovon McRae and softball pitcher Taylour Spencer have been announced as the University of Oregon's two campus winners of the 2026-27 Jackie Robinson Community & Impact Award, presented by Discover.
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Now in its third year, the honor was created to recognize Big Ten student-athletes who go beyond excellence in competition and work to have a positive impact within their teams and communities.
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From the 36 campus winners throughout the conference, two overall conference honorees will be selected.
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A sophomore, McRae spent four years serving in the United States Marine Corps before joining the Oregon football team. His consistent involvement in community service since arriving in Eugene is rooted in the values he learned in the military: selflessness, accountability and commitment to helping others.
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McRae has shown a particular passion for the football program's home-building and affordable housing volunteer efforts, helping to support families while strengthening communities across Oregon. He has also dedicated time to organizations such as Corts for Kids, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Coastal German Shepherd Rescue, the Single Marine Program, and many others.
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A senior for the Oregon softball team, Spencer has made community engagement a defining aspect of her collegiate experience. Over the past two years, she has organized and led the softball program's annual fall donation games while also serving as a leader for the team's community service efforts.
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Spencer has coordinated outreach with local organizations, managed donation collection and delivery efforts, and collaborated with teammates, fellow student-athletes and community partners to ensure resources reached those most in need. She has also participated in numerous volunteer opportunities and community service projects, including work in educational settings both in Eugene and her hometown of Murrieta, Calif.
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Now in its third year, the honor was created to recognize Big Ten student-athletes who go beyond excellence in competition and work to have a positive impact within their teams and communities.
Â
From the 36 campus winners throughout the conference, two overall conference honorees will be selected.
Â
A sophomore, McRae spent four years serving in the United States Marine Corps before joining the Oregon football team. His consistent involvement in community service since arriving in Eugene is rooted in the values he learned in the military: selflessness, accountability and commitment to helping others.
Â
McRae has shown a particular passion for the football program's home-building and affordable housing volunteer efforts, helping to support families while strengthening communities across Oregon. He has also dedicated time to organizations such as Corts for Kids, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Coastal German Shepherd Rescue, the Single Marine Program, and many others.
Â
A senior for the Oregon softball team, Spencer has made community engagement a defining aspect of her collegiate experience. Over the past two years, she has organized and led the softball program's annual fall donation games while also serving as a leader for the team's community service efforts.
Â
Spencer has coordinated outreach with local organizations, managed donation collection and delivery efforts, and collaborated with teammates, fellow student-athletes and community partners to ensure resources reached those most in need. She has also participated in numerous volunteer opportunities and community service projects, including work in educational settings both in Eugene and her hometown of Murrieta, Calif.
Players Mentioned
RHP
/ SoftballWednesday, November 11
Wednesday, November 11
Wednesday, November 11
Tuesday, November 10
