Vote for AFH U Student-Athlete and Team of the Year!
It will come as no surprise that this year’s AFH University student-athletes went above and beyond in giving back to their communities. Learn more about this year’s nominees below and make sure to cast your vote today! Voting closes on May 27th, 2022.
AFH U Student Athlete of the Year Nominees
Cast your vote here!
Ruth Axton, Georgetown Rowing
This year, Ruth went above and beyond to highlight and raise awareness about athlete mental health on campus. She has educated herself and others about the importance of addressing mental health, and shared her story to empower and uplift others. Ruth has become shining example of how student athletes can elevate a topic in her campus community.
Vote for Ruth here!
Da’on Acosta, Southern Cheer
Da’on is a respected leader on the Southern University Cheer team. After showing up alone to a service initiative, she was determined to get her team involved and motivated over 20 cheerleaders to come out to our first responder mural painting dedication. She has inspired her team to use their platform for good in Baton Rouge.
Vote for Da’on here!
Shannon Kennedy, MSU Women’s Golf
Shannon has shown her dedication to service for many different causes. She has taken time out of her busy schedule to help with numerous outreach events at Michigan State. In October, Shannon has participated in both the Accessible Trick or Treat event and the SAAC Food Drive.
Vote for Shannon here!
Qymeshia Mayhew, Southern Track & Field
Qymeshia has an enthusiastic spirit, and is passionate about service in her for her university’s community. She was at almost every event, and always helped getting information out to the larger campus. When at outreach events, she her energy was apparent, and her love of helping out and being there shone through.
Vote for Qymeshia here!
Alayah Hightower, Howard Soccer & Lacrosse
A true leader and service-oriented athlete, Alayah wears many hats. While working as AFH U Howard liaison, Alayah is a full-time MBA student as well as a member of the Howard Lacrosse and Howard Soccer teams. She coordinates and participates in various service initiatives while maintaining a strong commitment to the mission and work of The Grassroot Project.
Vote for Alayah here!
Wallace Chester, Howard Football
Wallace has demonstrated his passion to service by taking time to engage with his community. At the AFH DC Chapter event with Leveling the Playing Field, Wallace stayed after to speak with the leaving the playing field employees. His interest and genuine connection stands out to all who interact with him.
Vote for Wallace here!
Rebecka Poljan, MSU Volleyball
Rebecka’s commitment to service is clear in engagement in her local community, and beyond. She spent her spring break in the Dominican Republic building latrines for people in need there. She also has been a consistent volunteer at her church’s food banks.
Vote for Rebecka here!
Claire Selleck, UCLA Cross Country
Claire has done valuable work with Special Olympics. Not only is Claire a dedicated member, but she takes her passion for helping people with disabilities even further than in the club; she has made lifelong friendships with many of the athletes and plans to become a teacher for students with disabilities after she graduates college.
Vote for Claire here!
AFH U Team of the Year Nominees
Cast your vote here!
Southern University Softball
Southern Softball has set themselves apart by the diverse ways they’ve engaged in their community. They played a major part in the success of the 9/11 Day of Service initiatives. From the emergency preparedness tailgate to our first responder mural painting dedication, they showed up in numbers with great energy to make a difference in their community.
Vote for Southern Softball here!
Howard Women’s Soccer
The Howard Women’s Soccer team is hard-working in their service participation. They have engaged in opportunities, such as their efforts on 9/11 day at Walter E. Washington Convention Center, and packing grocery bags for members of their community.
Vote for Howard Women’s Soccer here!
UVA Football
The UVA football team has been devoted to being a part of the greater Charlottesville community. Even as volunteering opportunities stopped due to COVID restrictions, they still found a way to be involved with kids in the larger Virginia area.
Vote for UVA Football here!
MSU Field Hockey
The women’s field hockey team has done a tremendous job participating and facilitating our outreach events. For example, they played a large role at the SAAC Food Drive; the MSU field hockey team dropped donation bags off at community homes, and going back out to pick up those donations.
Vote for MSU Field Hockey here!
Southern Women’s Soccer
MLK service projects were postponed, but Southern Soccer was determined to serve. The team came together to prepare meals for a local shelter. Their determination depicts the phrase of MLK Day being, ‘a day on, not a day off.”
Vote for Southern Women’s Soccer here!
LSU Softball
The LSU softball team’s enthusiasm to service has been unparalleled this year. Since last summer, they have accounted for 428 service hours. In addition to their athletic work as a team, they have made it a huge priority to giving back to the community.
Vote for LSU Softball here!
LSU Beach Volleyball
LSU Beach Volleyball consistently step up and help out in service, and are tremendous leaders on and off the court. This spring, they helped coordinate and support the Miracle League in their spring games. Their team brings enthusiasm and positive support to every community service event.
Vote for LSU Beach Volleyball here!
UVA Women’s Rowing
The UVA Women’s Rowing has shown their consistent support and passion for service throughout the year. Even as the end of the semester made their schedules more busy with finals and other commitments, women’s rowing still decided they would organize a food drive to give back to the Charlottesville community.
Vote for UVA Women’s Rowing here!