2025-2026 AFH University Awards

For Ryan Harris, service isn’t a one-time event — it’s a weekly commitment.

The Davidson College Track & Field athlete has been a steadfast volunteer with the Ada Jenkins Center, showing up week after week to help staff prepare youth events and support programs that uplift local families. The kids who greet him with excitement each visit are a testament to the relationships he’s built.

Beyond his own service, Ryan has inspired fellow Davidson student-athletes to get involved — quietly growing a culture of giving back across the athletic community.

Kelis Armstrong didn’t wait for an opportunity to serve — she created one.

The Howard University Women’s Track & Field athlete spearheaded Run Your City – Shaw, a community run club that brought together student-athletes and local youth for weekly runs, mentorship, and connection. Through her vision, more than 50 children were impacted by programming that built confidence, fitness, and community through sport.

Kelis also partnered with universities across D.C. for collaborative service events — proving that when athletes lead with purpose, the impact reaches far beyond a single campus.

Tori Tatum has spent her time at LSU showing up — consistently, compassionately, and with purpose.

Her service spans The Walls Project and Girls on the Run, where she supports youth through creativity, confidence, and movement. She is also a regular volunteer at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital, spending time in the activity room facilitating games and bringing moments of joy to young patients and their families.

For Tori, leadership isn’t about a single moment. It’s about showing up, over and over again, for the people who need it most.

Connor Perritt seeks out opportunities to serve — and then he brings others with him.

The Southern University Football standout made two visits to Southern Laboratory School this month alone, leading kindergartners through physical activities and story time. His ability to connect with young students, create a welcoming environment, and make learning fun reflects a deep understanding of what it means to be a role model.

Connor’s consistency and intentionality remind us that small moments — a shared story, an encouraging word, a reason to move — can leave a lasting mark.

Jackson Rimes took an ordinary gym class and turned it into something unforgettable.

The LSU javelin thrower visited FLAIM Elementary School, where he led students through warm-ups and exercises that transformed the room — filling it with energy, laughter, and inspiration. His enthusiasm encouraged kids to stay active, work together, and discover the joy of movement.

Jackson’s visit is a reminder of the powerful role athletes play as role models: by simply showing up and sharing their passion, they help young people see what dedication and positivity look like in action.

Anna Gill is the kind of leader who doesn’t just step up — she rallies everyone around her.

The Georgetown Field Hockey standout has singlehandedly organized monthly visits to a local elementary school through the CHAMPS program, and mobilized student-athletes from across campus to support the Special Olympics — from the Polar Plunge to a Special Olympics Play Day.

Anna’s ability to turn individual purpose into collective action is what sets her apart. She doesn’t just lead by example — she makes it impossible not to follow.

In just one month, the LSU Women’s Soccer team showed what it looks like to serve with range and heart.

The team supported youth and adults with disabilities through BREC’s therapeutic riding program, brought joy to seniors at a local senior living home, and stood alongside breast cancer patients and survivors at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital. Three causes. One team. Zero hesitation.

For LSU Women’s Soccer, wearing the jersey means showing up for your community — one act of kindness at a time.

Long Beach State Softball is one of AFH U’s newest teams — and they wasted no time making their mark.

Their first event with AFH U set the tone: over 300 sandwiches made for community members experiencing food insecurity, with energy so contagious it pulled in student-athletes from across the entire athletic department. They followed that up by participating in an inclusive sports day with Adaptive PE students from Long Beach Unified School District — creating a joyful, welcoming environment where every kid could experience the power of sport.

LBSU Softball hit the ground running. And they haven’t slowed down since.

Three years in. Still showing up with the same energy as day one.

Davidson Field Hockey has maintained a long-standing partnership with Continuing the Mission (CTM), an organization dedicated to training service dogs for veterans. Year after year, the team brings consistency, enthusiasm, and genuine care to their work — building meaningful connections with the puppies they help train and with the veterans whose lives will be transformed by these animals.

Davidson Field Hockey isn’t just committed to service. They’re committed to the long game.

Howard Women’s Basketball closed out the year by winning where it matters most — in the community.

The team came together to prepare 600 PB&J sandwiches and 300+ bags of trail mix for Bread for the City, supporting neighbors facing food insecurity. Days later, they partnered with Fight for Children to host 12 families from Garfield Elementary at their game against St. Bonaventure — complete with meet-and-greets, autographs, photos, and memories that will last long after the final buzzer.

Howard Women’s Basketball plays hard. And they serve even harder.

For LMU Baseball, impact isn’t measured by a single event — it’s built week by week.

Throughout the semester, members of the team made weekly visits to Westchester Little League, supporting coaches during practices, assisting with skill development, and mentoring younger athletes on and off the field. For the kids involved, this wasn’t just a program — it was a chance to learn from collegiate athletes they look up to.

LMU Baseball showed up every week. And every week, it mattered.

Georgetown Field Hockey doesn’t show up once — they show up every single month.

As active participants in AFH U’s CHAMPS program, the team makes regular visits to HD Cooke Elementary School, mentoring students and teaching lessons about teamwork, leadership, and healthy decision-making. Their commitment to the program reflects something deeper than service as an obligation — it’s service as identity.

The team also took part in the Polar Plunge, raising funds and awareness for Special Olympics. For Georgetown Field Hockey, leading through sport is a year-round commitment.

The members of the Men’s and Women’s Track & Field team at Howard University have been breaking records on the track and impacting the youth of DC off of it. These athletes created Run Your City – Shaw with the mission to make running fun and accessible for kids everywhere.

With a focus on physical fitness and mentoring the children in their community, the Howard T&F team has gone above and beyond!”