Athletes for Hope is proud to recognize our January AFH U Award Winners, honoring student-athletes who are using sport as a platform to serve others and strengthen their communities. With the support of our partners at Thrivent, AFH U continues to highlight athletes who show that leadership is about far more than performance—it’s about purpose.
AFH U Student-Athlete of the Month: Tori Tatum of LSU Gymnastics
Throughout her time at LSU, Tori Tatum has made a meaningful and consistent impact in the Baton Rouge community. Her service includes work with The Walls Project and Girls on the Run, where she supports youth through creativity, confidence, and movement.
Tori is also a regular volunteer at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital, where she spends time in the activity room facilitating games and bringing moments of joy to young patients and their families. Her dedication reflects the heart of AFH U—showing up consistently, leading with compassion, and using time and presence to make a difference.
AFH U Team of the Month: Howard Women’s Basketball
Howard Women’s Basketball closed out the year by winning both on and off the court through impactful acts of service and community engagement. The team came together to prepare 600 PB&J sandwiches and 300+ bags of trail mix for Bread for the City, helping support neighbors facing food insecurity.
Just days later, the team partnered with Fight for Children to host 12 families from Garfield Elementary School at their game against St. Bonaventure. The experience included meet-and-greets with players, autographs, photos, and meaningful time spent together—creating memories that extended far beyond the final buzzer.
Their commitment to service, teamwork, and joy exemplifies what it means to lead through sport.
Powered by Partnership: Thrivent x AFH
We’re deeply grateful to Thrivent for sponsoring the AFH University Awards and helping us celebrate student-athletes who embody service, compassion, and leadership. Together, we’re expanding opportunities for athletes to serve their communities and discover the power of sport as a tool for good.
With Thrivent’s support, AFH University continues to grow its reach — connecting more campuses, building a stronger culture of service, and inspiring athletes to see leadership as something that starts with giving back.
Celebrating Impact Beyond the Game
Stories like these reinforce the heart of the AFH U mission—that sport is a powerful force for good. Tori Tatum and Howard Women’s Basketball show what’s possible when student-athletes lead with service, compassion, and purpose, creating impact that reaches far beyond competition.
To every athlete, partner, and supporter who makes this work possible—thank you. Together, we’re not just recognizing service; we’re shaping a culture where leadership, community, and giving back are part of the game.