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In the world of sports, the true measure of an athlete's greatness extends far beyond their performance on the court.

It's about the impact they leave on their team, community and the world.

Lovely Sonnier, a standout student-athlete for Long Beach State, embodies this ethos and was selected as an inaugural Kay Yow Servant Leader Award winner — one of just 14 student-athletes in the country to receive this prestigious honor.

It was presented to student-athletes across the nation who best embody the characteristics of Coach Kay Yow and the young people who carry the fight forward — people with a servant's spirit and a commitment to selfless leadership both on and off the court, exemplifying great character and a spirit of resolve, grace, generosity and a servant's heart.

Sonnier and the fellow winners display courage and strength, and their first response is to give to others. They are people who have, or will make an impact in the fight against cancer – improving lives and giving hope. Throughout the 2024-25 season, these 14 student-athletes can be recognized with a jersey patch, a physical representation of the "ripple effect" of servant leadership and the positive impact it can make in the fight against all cancers affecting women.

Sonnier, a senior guard at Long Beach State, is a perfect representation of the award's purpose. The dedication to leadership and community involvement is evident through impactful volunteer work with Miller Children's Hospital, Los Altos Parks and Recreation, Jefferson Elementary School and as the team's ambassador for The Big West's Tough Like Tammy campaign. 

Sonnier's journey began with a simple yet profound idea — the willingness to give a part of herself to others.

"I think what a servant leader means is giving, being willing to give up a part of yourself," Sonnier said. "Personally, I'm always willing to give of myself for others. I'm more selfless than selfish. I'm always there for whether it's a teammate, a friend, or anybody. I just think it involves giving up more of yourself."

   Embodying servant leadership   

For Sonnier,  taking care of her own responsibilities first has allowed her to bloom as a better leader both on and off the court.

"I tackle it on and off the court by staying on top of things as a leader," Sonnier reflected. "You have to be on top of your own things first before being able to give somebody else a helping hand. Me being on top of my stuff allows me to open myself up to others, to help them out, and give them the type of leadership that I have."

Sonnier's example of selflessness extends beyond the basketball court with volunteer work with various organizations that has provided valuable experiences and life lessons.

Whether volunteering at a children's hospital or an elementary school, the kids Sonnier interacts with and serves have different needs. Recognizing the importance of treating every child with equal care and respect is paramount in each situation. These experiences have shaped a deeper understanding of leadership and the impact one individual can have on others.

"I'm learning more about the kids I'm working with," Sonnier explained. "There's different types of kids you're working with. As far as Miller Children's Hospital, that's a completely different group of kids than what you will have at Jefferson High School, but being able to work with them as if they're just the same kid you'll find at Jefferson High School or the same kid you'll find at Miller is just treating them all the same."

   Influenced by peers and coaches   

Sonnier's volunteer work has not only impacted the communities she serves but has also shaped her role as a basketball student-athlete at LBSU, now in a second season for the Beach after transferring from South Carolina State. Teammates and coaching staff have witnessed her openness and vulnerability, which has created a comfortable environment for them to approach and seek guidance.

Seeing Sonnier's life outside of basketball has made it easier for teammates to connect on the court, enhancing their overall chemistry and performance as a unit.

"I feel as my teammates see how open and vulnerable I am to others, it makes them feel comfortable being able to approach me about things," Sonnier said. "Just being able for them to see how I operate off the court makes it more comfortable and able for them to approach me on the court."

While Sonnier may not have a specific person who inspires her leadership qualities, the San Francisco native acknowledges the significant influence that the Beach team and coaching staff have had on her development as a leader. Their support and guidance have shaped her into the person she is today.

"My team and the coaching staff have shaped me a lot this past year, my junior and senior year, into who I am today," Sonnier said. "I do give them a bunch of thanks."

   Leading by example   

Sonnier's hope is that the impact on and off the court inspires others to embrace servant leadership. She wants people to see that her actions are driven by a genuine desire to make a difference, not because she is obligated to do so. By leading by example, she hopes to encourage others to take the same approach and willingly contribute to their communities.

"I hope that people see what I'm doing, and people see that what I'm doing, I'm doing it because I want to do it, not because I'm being told to do it or have to do it," Sonnier said. "It's all because I'm willing to do it. I'm hoping people are seeing that and reciprocating off of it, being willing to do it, not just doing it because it's a team thing or it's required, but because they genuinely want to."

While Sonnier may not have a personal connection to breast cancer, she acknowledges the ties through her friends who have family members affected by the disease. With a mindset of empathy and understanding extending beyond herself, Sonnier feels a sense of connection and responsibility to support those around her who are struggling.

"I have people around me who have personal connections," Sonnier said. "I feel like a part of them is me, that's my connection through my friends who may have a mother or someone. If they're struggling, then I feel like I'm struggling, there's a connection there."

Sonnier's selection as a Kay Yow Servant Leader Award winner is a testament to the dedication to an impactful life on and off the court. Sonnier embodies the qualities that Coach Kay Yow stood for and continues to inspire teammates and the broader community through selflessness and commitment to making a positive difference.

As Sonnier continues the journey at Long Beach State and beyond, her leadership and selfless nature will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy.

Through the willingness to give of herself and a genuine desire to make a difference, Sonnier is not only a role model for her teammates but also an inspiration to all who are witnessing her impact.

   Be Tough   

To pay it forward today, fans can donate to the yearlong Tough Like Tammy campaign, with a one-time monetary donation or a pledge per offensive rebound to your favorite team throughout the month of February and up to the end of the regular season. Thus far, the campaign has raised $2,390 of its $15,000 goal. To learn more or make a donation, please visit BigWest.org/TLT.