We are proud to announce this year’s AFH University Student-Athlete & Team of the Year nominees! Each year we are blown away by our student-athletes dedication and commitment to serving their communities as they leave a positive impact wherever they go.
Click the name of each nominee to learn more about their work!
June 14. 2025 Update: Voting is now closed! We will announce our 2024-2025 AFH University Student-Athlete and Team of the year very soon!
Student-Athlete of the Year Nominees
AFH U Student-Athlete of the Year Nominees
Riley MacDonald, LSU Women’s Soccer
Riley demonstrated a strong commitment to community service through her volunteer work with youth and animals. She contributed over five hours walking dogs at Friends of the Animals and assisted in distributing after-school meals with the Three O’Clock Project.
Noelle Winegar, Georgetown Women’s Rowing
Noelle demonstrated exceptional leadership and initiative by organizing both virtual and in-person service activities. She led her team in the Gratitude in Action campaign and coordinated a peer-to-peer fundraising event benefiting Hurricane Helene victims in Lake Lure, North Carolina. Her consistent commitment to community engagement stands out as exemplary.
Julian Rawlins, Davidson Football
Julian displayed a strong dedication to supporting the children of the Ada Jenkins Center. Always eager to serve, he not only volunteers regularly but also encourages his teammates to join him. Whether taking out trash or organizing the facility, Julian’s efforts help ensure a clean and welcoming environment for the children.
Jailyn Rogers, Southern Bowling
Jailyn stood out as both an accomplished bowler and a dedicated servant leader. Her enthusiasm for giving back is unwavering, and she consistently shows up—whether with a team or individually—to make a meaningful impact.
Ryan Harris, Davidson Track and Field
Ryan demonstrated strong leadership by spearheading Athlete Mental Health Week at Davidson. He mobilized fellow athletes to help raise awareness and break the stigma surrounding mental health, organizing efforts to distribute green ribbons, share educational materials, and create impactful videos reflecting on the importance of athlete mental health.
Sierra Ballard, LSU Gymnastics
Sierra dedicated her time to uplifting youth through visits to Girls on the Run, Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital, and LA Key Academy. As President of LSU’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), she leads with purpose and passion, serving as a key advocate for service and community engagement.
Gia Johnson, Southern Women’s Soccer
Gia Johnson led her team in Dancing for Big Buddy, the organization’s signature fundraiser supporting youth mentoring in Baton Rouge. Beyond her dynamic performance, she remained actively engaged with Big Buddy participants throughout the month, exemplifying her commitment to service.
AFH U Team of the Year Nominees
Davidson Field Hockey
The Davidson College Field Hockey team has partnered with Continuing the Mission in Davidson, NC, supporting the training and care of service dogs for veterans with PTSD, for the second consecutive year. Team members volunteer three times a week, dedicating their time to keeping the dogs active and well-trained. Their commitment is making a meaningful impact on the lives of veterans across North Carolina.
Georgetown Rowing
The Georgetown Men’s and Women’s Rowing teams have collaborated to support their local community. In November, they focused on aiding Western North Carolina communities affected by the hurricane, writing letters of encouragement to survivors and first responders in Black Mountain, NC. Additionally, they organized a peer-to-peer fundraising campaign with proceeds donated to the town of Lake Lure, NC. Their dedication and efforts have been truly inspiring.
Southern Women’s Tennis
The Southern Women’s Tennis team demonstrated strong leadership in campus service, participating in initiatives including visits to Our Lady of the Lake Hospital, Girl Scout mentoring, Villa Del Ray Trunk or Treat, and preparing Thanksgiving dinners for guests at St. Vincent de Paul. Their commitment to community engagement is greatly valued in Baton Rouge.
LSU Beach Volleyball
On MLK Day, the LSU Beach Volleyball team exemplified the spirit of service through three impactful initiatives. Members engaged with youth at LA Key Academy’s field day, cared for rescue cats at Cat Haven, and contributed to the community by painting a mural in the Eden Park neighborhood. Their dedication and teamwork greatly enriched both the day of service and the Baton Rouge community.
Southern Women’s Soccer
Southern Women’s Soccer demonstrated their commitment to service by visiting Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital to uplift patients and creating videos that provide valuable mental health tips. Their dedication to community well-being continues to inspire.
Southern Football
Southern Football participated in an empowerment workshop, demonstrating enthusiasm to enhance their community impact. The team generated ideas to increase service hours, including coordinating visits to local elementary schools, volunteering at field days, and organizing football camps in their hometowns. The following week, players visited Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital, bringing hope to patients.
Georgetown Volleyball
Georgetown Volleyball led volunteer efforts on campus through two major events supporting Charlie’s Place, a shelter in Washington, DC, serving individuals experiencing homelessness. During their first visit, the team deep cleaned the facility and spent time with shelter residents, allowing staff to focus on essential services. For their second event, they organized a ‘Pie in the Face’ fundraiser on campus, raising over $700 to benefit Charlie’s Place.