AFH University Baton Rouge Celebrates Student-Athlete Leadership and Service at 2025 End-of-Year Awards
BATON ROUGE, LA – On Thursday, April 11, Athletes for Hope hosted its 2025 End-of-Year (EOY) Awards Recognition Ceremony at the Goodwood Library in Baton Rouge, bringing together student-athletes, coaches, community partners, and supporters to celebrate another impactful year of service and leadership.
Throughout the 2024–2025 academic year, student-athletes from Southern University and Louisiana State University (LSU) participating in the Athletes for Hope University (AFH U) program completed more than 1,800 hours of community service across Baton Rouge. These efforts included mentoring youth, visiting hospitals, supporting mental health initiatives, and participating in neighborhood cleanups.
AFH U partnered with more than 25 local organizations this year, creating diverse and meaningful service opportunities while helping student-athletes build leadership skills and forge lasting connections in the community.
2025 Award Honorees
Student-Athletes of the Year
- Iyanah Taylor, Southern University Volleyball
- Sierra Ballard, LSU Gymnastics
“Thank you so much for this award. I am truly honored to be a recipient. Serving the community is more than just helping others; it’s about leaving an impact and changing someone’s life.”
— Iyanah Taylor, Southern Volleyball (right)
“I am incredibly grateful to receive this award and to be given the chance to serve my community every day. The Baton Rouge community consistently pours so much love and support into me, my team, and my university. Any opportunity I am given to give even a portion of that in return I will. The love in this community is unmatched.”
— Sierra Ballard, LSU Gymnastics
Teams of the Year
- Southern University Football
- LSU Soccer
“I think us as athletes are very prideful in giving back to a community like this because they constantly support us in immense ways. To receive an award like this is a huge testament to what we do off the field, but like Syd said, the real reward is seeing the smiles of the youth we get to interact with!”
— Jazmin Ferguson, LSU Soccer
“For us, interacting with others through sports is a great reminder of the importance of unity and enjoyment. Being recognized for our service means a lot, but the real reward is connecting with our community and giving back to the people that pour so much into us.”
— Sydney Cheesman, LSU Soccer
“I’m very proud of the team for putting in additional hours to help within our community. Receiving the award is a real honor and gives us great pleasure in knowing we have a team that goes above and beyond on and off the field, and represents the soccer program and the university in such a positive light.”
— Conor Cable, LSU Soccer Assistant Coach
Community Partner of the Year
- Rain Will Bring Flowers Foundation
The evening was made even more special thanks to generous support from local partners. Mark and Tricia Greggs, Greggs Enterprises provided meals for attendees, with additional contributions from Raising Cane’s, Starbucks, and Mark Landry Photography.
