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The Season of Giving in Action: December AFH U Award Honorees

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The Season of Giving in Action: December AFH U Award Honorees

Posted: Updated: by Jasmine Moore

At Athletes for Hope University (AFH U), we believe leadership isn’t defined solely by performance—it’s measured by impact. Each month, the AFH U Awards, presented by Thrivent, recognize student-athletes and teams who demonstrate what it truly means to use sport as a force for good.

With Thrivent’s support, AFH U continues to uplift athletes who lead with service, compassion, and a commitment to making a positive difference in their communities.

This December, we are proud to honor two exceptional recipients whose leadership embodies these values: Kelis Armstrong of Howard University Women’s Track & Field and the Davidson Field Hockey team.

AFH U Athlete of the Month

Kelis Armstrong — Howard University Women’s Track & Field

Kelis Armstrong is the embodiment of leadership in motion—on the track and throughout the Washington, D.C. community.

This semester, Kelis spearheaded Run Your City – Shaw, a community run club that brought together Howard University student-athletes and local youth for weekly runs, mentorship, and connection. Through her vision and dedication, more than 50 children were impacted by programming that encouraged physical activity, confidence, and community engagement through sport.

Kelis’ leadership extends beyond a single initiative. Her enthusiasm for collaboration, especially her willingness to partner with other universities across the city for service events demonstrates a deep commitment to unity and collective impact. Whether motivating her peers or inspiring the next generation, Kelis leads with purpose, energy, and heart.

Through the AFH U Awards, presented by Thrivent, athletes like Kelis are recognized not only for what they achieve, but for how they serve.

AFH U Team of the Month

Davidson Field Hockey

For the third consecutive year, Davidson Field Hockey has shown what sustained commitment to service truly looks like.

The team continues its impactful partnership with Continuing the Mission (CTM), an organization dedicated to training service dogs for veterans. Year after year, Davidson Field Hockey brings the same enthusiasm, consistency, and care to their work forming meaningful connections not only with the puppies they help train, but with the veterans whose lives will be changed through these service animals.

The team’s long-term dedication has created meaningful, lasting impact—an example of the values-driven leadership celebrated through the AFH U Awards, presented by Thrivent.

Celebrating Leadership That Lasts

The AFH U Awards, presented by Thrivent, shine a light on student-athletes and teams who understand that leadership doesn’t end when the game does.

Kelis Armstrong and the Davidson Field Hockey team exemplify how athletes can use their platform, passion, and time to strengthen communities and change lives. We are proud to celebrate their leadership and grateful to Thrivent for helping make these recognitions possible.

AFH University Awards: Celebrating October’s Standout Student-Athletes

Posted: Updated: by Jasmine Moore

At Athletes for Hope, we believe that true leadership starts with service. Every month, the AFH University Awards, presented by Thrivent, recognize student-athletes who go above and beyond — using their platform to uplift others and strengthen their communities.

This October, we’re proud to spotlight two outstanding examples of service in action: the LSU Women’s Soccer Team and Gaby Rivera of LSU Women’s Tennis. Their commitment to giving back reminds us why we do what we do — to empower athletes to change lives through sport.

LSU Women’s Soccer: Playing with Purpose

The LSU Women’s Soccer Team kicked off the year with a remarkable spirit of service. In just one month, 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.

Their actions speak volumes about what it means to wear a jersey with pride — not just for what happens on the field, but for the impact made off it. These athletes remind us that teamwork extends far beyond competition; it’s about showing up for your community, one act of kindness at a time.

Gaby Rivera: Leading by Example

Gaby Rivera, a standout on the LSU Women’s Tennis Team, embodies what it means to lead with heart. Gaby organized athletes from across LSU to participate in First Day Helpers, greeting and encouraging local students as they arrived for their first day of school.

She also volunteered at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital, joined a CHAMPS reading visit to Wildwood Elementary, and created moments of inclusion and joy through The Miracle League, where she helped children with special needs participate in sports.

Gaby’s leadership shows how one athlete’s energy can unite a campus — and how service can become a lifelong part of an athlete’s journey.

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

Every story like this strengthens our belief in the mission that drives AFH — that sport has the power to create lasting change. The LSU Women’s Soccer Team and Gaby Rivera are proof that when athletes lead with empathy and purpose, their impact extends far beyond the field or court.

To every athlete and donor who supports our work — thank you for helping us make moments like these possible. Together, we’re not just celebrating service. We’re changing the culture of sport, one act of kindness at a time.