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AFH News

Posted: Updated: by Hannah Bronkema

What We’re Reading

August 19 – August 31, 2023

Every day, athletes all over the world are doing incredible work in their communities by giving back, creating opportunities for those less fortunate, and making connections that will last a lifetime.

From athletes coming together to support Maui and its citizens, tackling food insecurity, raising money for Ukraine, and supporting women’s sports, there is so much good going on in the sports community! Here are five articles the AFH team has read over the past two weeks that you may have missed.

“The University of Kansas men’s basketball team will travel to Champaign, Illinois for a televised charity exhibition game in which all proceeds will go towards relief efforts from the Maui wildfires.”


Read the full article on sports.yahoo.com.

“The Clippers’ season-opening trip to Hawaii in October for training camp will end with a preseason game that will double as a benefit for the state’s recovery from wildfires.”


Read the full article on bleacherreport.com.

“The Muggsy Bogues Family Foundation is distributing food to families in areas that are often underserved, and it provides access to education and job skills.”


Read the full article on wsoctv.com.

“NBA star Jimmy Butler took a swing at another sport Wednesday night, dressing just like a member of the ball crew at the U.S. Open to perform those duties and picking up a racket to play with Frances Tiafoe, Carlos Alcaraz and Sebastián Yatra at a charity event that raised $320,000 for humanitarian relief in Ukraine.”


Read the full article on foxnews.com.

“Laila Ali’s journey is one that inspires many women who wish to transgress the norms. A true spirit of humanity she has further redefined the way one looks at their journey in public life.”


Read the full article on essentiallysports.com.

AFH News

Posted: Updated: by Hannah Bronkema

What We’re Reading

August 3 – August 18, 2023

Every day, athletes all over the world are doing incredible work in their communities by giving back, creating opportunities for those less fortunate, and making connections that will last a lifetime.

From athletes coming together to support Maui and its citizens, back-to-school supply giveaways, and improving children’s health through physical fitness, there is so much good going on in the sports community! Here are five articles the AFH team has read over the past two weeks that you may have missed.

“University of Hawai’i Athletics sends our condolences and prayers to all of those affected by the wildfires on Maui.”

Read the full article on hawaiiathletics.com..

“Robinson held a back-to-school drive at the church, giving away 100 backpacks to kids. He handed out a rainbow of brightly colored backpacks, pausing occasionally for photos with those who stopped by.”


Read the full article on stltoday.com.

“Macfarlane is one of several current and former professional athletes from Hawaii, or who have ties to the state, who are helping those affected by the Maui fire.”


Read the full article on staradvertiser.com.

“In the wake of the Maui wildfires, our community needs us more than ever,” Tagovailoa said on the fundraiser’s homepage. “With the strength of our ‘Ohana’ and the deep-rooted values of Aloha, let’s lend a helping hand to those in need. Stand with me in showing the Aloha spirit is unbreakable.”


Read the full article on latimes.com.

“Road Runner Sports will significantly expand PHIT America’s programs in U.S. schools by becoming the Presenting Sponsor of PHIT America’s AMPED running/walking fitness program.”


Read the full article on prnewswire.com.

Athletes & Philanthropy 101

Posted: Updated: by Hannah Bronkema

Four Tips for Student-Athletes To Start Giving Back

As the 2023 fall semester approaches, student-athletes from across the country are heading back to their college campuses and are wondering how they can get involved in charitable work for their community. Athletes for Hope is here to help you get started, set goals, and support you through this semester and beyond! All athletes, no matter what level, can lead from where they are and make a difference in their community- and no, you don’t need to be verified on social media to make an impact.

Here are four tips to help you give back this semester:

Join Your Schools SAAC

A student-athlete advisory committee (SAAC) is a committee made up of student-athletes assembled to provide insight into the student-athlete experience. Currently, there are separate national SAACs for NCAA Divisions I, II, and III, alongside SAACs on individual campuses.

While the SAAC helps to generate a student-athlete voice within the institution and on a national level, it also supports the campus and conference community through community outreach efforts.

Examples of SAAC community events include:

  • Toy Drives
  • Team Visits to Childrens Hospitals
  • Special Olympic Events
  • Team Visits to Schools

Donate Your Time

The most valuable thing you can give as a student-athlete is your time. Throughout the school year, there are countless organizations in your community that need volunteers. Whether you volunteer your time at a local nonprofit or charity, walking a dog who has been placed in a shelter, writing a note to a child in the hospital, or cleaning up after an event at a senior center, any time spent positively impacting your community makes a lasting impact.

Use Your Platform For Good

In the new age of digital media, your platform as an athlete has the ability to change the world. Remember when we mentioned that you didn’t need to be verified to make a difference? We meant it! Student-athletes from all conferences and divisions are using their social media to become game changers.

Things that may seem small such as resharing a post, tagging an organization on social, or engaging with an organization’s post goes a long way in terms of visibility and advocacy.

Get Involved With Athletes for Hope

Athletes for Hope created the AFH University program to provide guidance to student-athletes on how to be effective volunteers as they learn what community causes they may align with.

AFH University provides student-athletes the opportunity to:

  1. Engage in meaningful, impactful community service
  2. Experience the benefits of engaging in student leadership and student self-governance
  3. Collaborate with student-athletes from other sports
  4. Increase their involvement with the rest of the University community and the local community

If you are a student-athlete or collegiate team wanting to get involved in community service during the 2023 fall semester, please contact AFH University Assistant Director, Sara Keane, at skeane@athletesforhope.org.

We would love to help connect you to service opportunities in your area!

AFH News

Posted: Updated: by Hannah Bronkema

What We’re Reading

July 8 – August 2, 2023

Every day, athletes all over the world are doing incredible work in their communities by giving back, creating opportunities for those less fortunate, and making connections that will last a lifetime.

Every day, athletes all over the world are doing incredible work in their communities by giving back, creating opportunities for those less fortunate, and making connections that will last a lifetime. Here are five articles the AFH team has read over the past three weeks that you may have missed.

“Forty-four Women’s World Cup players, led by the Denmark international Sofie Junge Pedersen, have committed to taking climate action over the flights taken to and from Australia and New Zealand for the tournament.”

Read the full article on theguardian.com.

“The national team players announced they will donate a percentage of their World Cup bonuses to grassroots girls’ soccer organizations in Germany.”


Read the full article on sportsbusinessjournal.com

“Olsen presented a $300,000 check to MUSC’s Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital on July 28 to assist pediatric cardiology patients and their families with the transition between the hospital and home care.”


Read the full article on the postandcourier.com.

“His new charitable organization, the Second Round Foundation, hosted a golf tournament Thursday at the Twin Orchard Country Club in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, roughly five miles from Stevenson High.”


Read the full article on forbes.com.

“As part of the announcement, Manning’s first Paninin trading card went to auction with 100% of the proceeds going to a Central Texas non-profit with the help of St. David’s HealthCare and St. David’s Foundation.”


Read the full article on foxbusiness.com.

Olympic Athlete Spotlight

Posted: Updated: by Hannah Bronkema

Former Brazilian soccer star is helping create a special future in Arizona 

Growing up in Brazil, Alessandra “Alex” Sachs felt a sense of community from an early age. The future Brazilian Women’s Soccer Olympian would play soccer on the blacktop with groups of boys. At six years old, she was one of the youngest players and the only girl participating. 

Alex enjoyed running for the ball and fighting for position on the blacktop. 

Today, this same fiery passion has her fighting for her community in Arizona. She felt a sense of purpose on the blacktop, then on the field, and now she finds purpose in helping others. 

Alex Sachs poses for a photo with the Phoenix Suns mascot, a gorilla, at a Suns 88 event.

“Throughout my career, I have always volunteered or helped out in some capacity, but when I was accepted to Valley Leadership and Suns 88, I realized that I could be a catalyst for change,” Alex said. “A great opportunity for my actions and my voice to make a positive impact in my community.”

Valley Leadership is a non-profit organization that is built around empowering Arizonans to become leaders in the community. Meanwhile, Suns 88 raises money for children in the region. 

As an Olympian and a Brazilian Soccer Hall of Fame inductee, Alex has developed a platform through which she can help others. Her goal was never solely to succeed in sport, but to make an impact outside of soccer as well. 

“Aryton Senna inspired me,” Alex said. “Even with him gone 29 years, I still feel his presence. He taught me to be an advocate, a humanitarian, and a proud Brazilian.”

She has fulfilled each of these missions. 

Alex has worked throughout Arizona to help many different groups, including partnering with United Healthcare to create an “all girls soccer day” or beautifying Title 1 elementary school playgrounds alongside Playworks Arizona. 

Alex Sachs smiles while opening up a paint during a community service event with Playworks Arizona

Today, she works with Special Olympics Arizona and Law Enforcement Torch Run to promote a sense of camaraderie between law enforcement and community members. 

Alex’s trajectory from a premier soccer icon to an established advocate and activist is living proof that a goal and drive can be used as tools to better the world around us. 

The same girl that was the only female on the blacktop now runs camps and clinics where dozens of 4th and 5th-grade girls are introduced to soccer and receive gear to further their journeys within the sport. 

It is not just the youth she is helping, though. 

“Look around you and see what is happening in your community,” Alex said. “An example is I realized that many seniors in my community were isolated and lonely, so I create through my work at SPD and in partnership with the Via Linda Senior Center a Senior Walking Club. There is no better feeling than seeing another human being smile and say thank you.”

Alex Sachs smiles behind a table full of collected non perishable items

Pride and passion go hand in hand and Alex personifies the potential for athletes to be the change they wish to see in the world. 

From the community in Brazil to communities throughout Arizona, Alex is leaving a legacy that far surpasses her impressive career resume. All it took was a vision.

Athletes in Action

Posted: Updated: by Hannah Bronkema

AFH University Summer Roundup

Developed in 2013, our AFH University program helps college athletes explore leadership, life skill development, advocacy, their role in the community, and how to discover their philanthropic passions. 

Over the summer AFH student-athletes went above and beyond the call of service as they made a positive impact in their hometowns and university neighborhoods.

Athletes from Howard, Georgetown, Davidson, Southern, Clark Atlanta, and LSU visited children’s hospitals, engaged in community events, and more!

May 2023

Children’s Wisconsin

Howard University football football player Gerone Hamilton Jr. playing BINGO on a Zoom call with his new friends at Children's Wisconsin.

Howard University football player, Gerone Hamilton Jr. participated in a virtual hospital visit with Children’s Wisconsin Hospital. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, the activity included BINGO with coping skills.

Gerone was very personable and caring in his interaction with the kids and shared his own experiences as well as asked the kids great questions.

LA Key Academy & Arc of Baton Rouge

On Thursday, May 25th Athletes for Hope facilitated our second inclusive 9/11 emergency preparedness event at Louisiana Key Academy. Our annual field day brought out over 30 volunteers consisting of student-athletes, SU Volunteers, the Southern University chapter of The NAACP, and The Arc of Baton Rouge.

Volunteers assisted with inflatables, various sports stations, and fire safety activities. Students were excited to tour a fire truck, honk the truck horn, and learn about the firefighter uniform and tools with the Baton Rouge Fire Department.

The Mayor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency team shared tips on how to prepare and evacuate in the case of an emergency. The MOHSE team brought a firehouse simulation which prompted students to put their new skills to use.

Participants from LA Key Academy smiling for a photo together.
Baton Rouge Fire Department crew member stands in front of the Ready Rangers mobile as he speaks to field day participants.
Southern University student-athlete volunteers smile for a photo together.

June 2023

Boys and Girls Club of Arizona

Clark Atlanta University basketball player Zion Walters smiles with other volunteers in front of a Main Event sign.

Clark Atlanta women’s basketball player Zion Walters accompanied all of the Boys and Girls Clubs in the West Valley on a field trip to Main Event in Avondale for the day.

“When we arrived, I began helping with lunch. Me and other volunteers served pizza to all of the kids from 9:45 until 12:45. We served over 240 slices of pizza, and still had more for seconds and thirds. I met some amazing people and made great memories.”

-Zion Walters, Clark Atlanta Women’s Basketball

Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital

Southern University football players made a visit to Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital and facilitated a spin-the-wheel trivia game for hospital patients.

“It was an amazing and fun experience. I was able to learn some new things while having a great day of trivia with the kids. I can’t wait to come back.”

-Robens Beauplan, Southern Football Punter
Southern football players smile for a photo before they began a game of spin-the-wheel trivia at Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital.

July 2023

Voice in Sports Foundation

Female student-athletes from Georgetown University smile for a photo with Senator Chris Murphy.

Student-athletes from Georgetown University, along with other female student-athletes and administrators from across the country, met at Capitol Hill and partnered with the Voice in Sport Foundation to receive educational Title IX training, learn about the Fair Play Act, and meet with the sponsor of the bill, Senator Chris Murphy.

Women were able to hear from the senator and ask him questions on how we can better advocate and make change as female athletes.

Boys & Girls Club of Greater Charlotte

Davidson college football put on a two-hour football clinic with the kids of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Charlotte. They spent their time teaching the kids new skills and the importance of teamwork and leadership.

Members of the Davison football team pose for a photo with participants of the football clinic.

Geaux Day

Teams from Southern and LSU volunteered at Geaux Day on Wednesday, July 26th. This annual collaborative field day attracted over 200 kids for a day of modified sports on LSU’s campus.

The youth had the opportunity to visit sports stations, learn more about LSU and Southern Athletics, and observe a football practice followed by a meet & greet.

“I served today because I really enjoy being around the kids as a college athlete. I feel like it gives them the idea that they also can do the same thing. Seeing their faces light up when they accomplish something makes me happy”.

– Paris Washington, Southern Tennis
photo of LSU student-athlete high-fiving one of the Beaux Day participants after a drill.
Student-athletes and Beaux Day participants line up on the LSU football field before breaking into their groups.
LSU volleyball player watches on as a Geaux Day participant volleys the ball over the net.
Photos by Dylan Boral and Sean Cripple.

Boys & Girls Club of Greater Phoenix

Clark Atlanta basketball player Zion Walters poses with peace signs in the dance studio with clinic participants from the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Phoenix.

Zion Walters from Clark Atlanta Women’s Basketball spent a week running a dance clinic at the Boys & Girls Club.

At the end of the clinic, the children performed the dance they learned for the faculty and other kids at the club.

As the summer months come to an end and our student-athletes gear up for another great semester, we couldn’t be more proud of their continued dedication to serving their communities and are excited to see all of the good they accomplish together this fall.