NEW YORK, Sept. 3, 2014 – WNBA All-Star Briann January of the Indiana Fever was awarded the WNBA Cares Community Assist Award presented by State Farm for her remarkable generosity and charitable efforts throughout August. This marks the first time that January has received the honor.

January dedicates her time off the court to causes closest to her heart, in particular breast health awareness and education and literacy initiatives. Last month, January spoke about breast health at the “Fever Bright Pink Plaza Party,” and signed autographs for patients and survivors. During the Fever’s Breast Health Awareness live auction, January donated her autographed game jersey, helping to raise almost $20,000 for the Community Health Network Foundation’s Breast Health Fund.

As the spokesperson for the Indiana Department of Education’s Hoosier Family of Readers, January donates her time to hands-on literacy programs. During the “Fever Read Like a Pro” event at the Central Library, she read books to third-grade students from IPS #2. January also recorded a book reading for the “Call-The-Indiana Fever” program, where kids dialed in throughout August to have their favorite Fever player read them a book.

“My aunt recently passed away due to breast cancer, and two of my aunts are survivors. As an education major, I am passionate about education and helping young kids become successful in life,” said January. “So it means a lot to me to take part in community outreach programs related to children and breast health awareness because those are issues that I feel personally connected to.”

The WNBA Community Assist Award presented by State Farm is awarded monthly during the season to the player that best reflects the WNBA’s passion to make a difference in the community. In recognition of January’s efforts, the WNBA and State Farm will donate $7,500 to Domestic Abuse & Sexual Assault Intervention Services (DASI). Please visit wnba.com/statefarmcommunityassist for more information on the award and its recipients.