October brought cooler temperatures to Baton Rouge — but the community impact from our AFH U honorees has been nothing short of red hot.
Each month, the AFH University Awards, presented by Thrivent, recognize student-athletes and teams who prove that true leadership extends far beyond the field, court, or beach. It’s about service. It’s about showing up. It’s about using your platform to make a lasting difference in the lives of others.
This month, we’re proud to celebrate two honorees who are doing exactly that.
AFH U Athlete of the Month: Shane Gardner | Southern University Football
Shane Gardner isn’t waiting for the offseason to give back — he’s been at it since summer.
As a student-athlete at Southern University, Shane has been a driving force in community service, consistently demonstrating his passion for giving back and using his platform to make a meaningful difference across Baton Rouge. His commitment to service spans multiple initiatives and shows no signs of slowing down.
Shane played a pivotal role representing Southern University at LSU’s Geaux Day, a community field day experience that brings joy and connection to local youth. He also contributed to Athletes for Hope’s CHAMPS program, serving as a facilitator for virtual activity videos designed to inspire young people to stay active and engaged.
His service continued with AFH’s 9/11 Day of Service, where he helped pack meals to address food insecurity in North Baton Rouge. And if that weren’t enough, Shane has also volunteered at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital, leading games and bringing joy to young patients in the activity room.
Shane is a living example of what it looks like when a student-athlete fully embraces their role in the community — not just as an athlete, but as a leader, a mentor, and a source of light for those around him.
AFH U Team of the Month: LSU Beach Volleyball
LSU Beach Volleyball is proving that the power of sport goes far beyond competition.
This month, the team made a meaningful impact across the Baton Rouge community by sharing the joy of sports with youth of all abilities. Through visits to McKinley Middle School and FLAIM Elementary, these student-athletes used their platform to encourage physical activity, build connections with local students, and inspire the next generation through the power of sports.
Their commitment to inclusion took center stage at the Special Olympics United for Joy event, where they showed up to celebrate and support athletes of all abilities — a powerful reminder that sport is for everyone.
What makes LSU Beach Volleyball’s impact so special is the intentionality behind it. These student-athletes aren’t just checking a box — they’re building relationships, championing inclusion, and showing young people what it looks like to lead with heart.