afh university Archives - Athletes for Hope

From the Field to the Community: Meet Our April AFH U Award Winners

Posted: April 10, 2026 Updated: April 10, 2026 by Jasmine Moore

At Athletes for Hope, we believe the influence of athletes extends far beyond competition. Through Athletes for Hope University (AFH U), student-athletes across the country are using their time, talent, and platform to create meaningful change in their communities.

Each month, the AFH U Awards recognize athletes who exemplify leadership through service. This month, we are proud to celebrate two incredible examples of student-athletes making an impact both on and off the field: Anna Gill of Georgetown Field Hockey and the Howard University Men’s and Women’s Track & Field team.

Anna Gill — Georgetown Field Hockey

Leadership comes naturally to Anna Gill — and her community feels it every month.

As a standout member of the Georgetown Field Hockey team, Anna has made service a cornerstone of her time as a student-athlete. She has singlehandedly organized monthly visits to a local elementary school through the CHAMPS program, bringing Athletes for Hope’s curriculum to life for young students eager for guidance and inspiration.

But Anna’s impact doesn’t stop there. She has rallied student-athletes from across Georgetown’s campus to come together in support of the Special Olympics — leading the charge at both the Polar Plunge and a Special Olympics Play Day. Her ability to mobilize fellow athletes around a shared mission speaks to the kind of leader she is: one who lifts others up and turns purpose into action.

Anna exemplifies what it means to compete with heart — on the field and in the community.

Howard University Track & Field

They’re breaking records on the track. But their greatest achievement might just be what they’re building off of it.

The Men’s and Women’s Track & Field teams at Howard University created Run Your City – Shaw, a community program designed to make running fun, accessible, and meaningful for kids in Washington, D.C. Rooted in the Shaw neighborhood, the program brings student-athletes and youth together through physical fitness and mentorship — giving children not only a love of movement, but a connection to role models who look like them and believe in their potential.

For the Howard T&F team, service isn’t an add-on to their athletic identity — it’s central to it. Their dedication to DC’s youth reflects the spirit of Howard University’s legacy of excellence, leadership, and community impact.

Run Your City – Shaw is more than a program. It’s a movement.

Leading Beyond the Game with Thrivent

The stories of Anna Gill and the Howard University Track & Field team highlight what the AFH U program is all about — empowering student-athletes to use their voices and platforms to make a positive difference.

The AFH U Awards are proudly presented by Thrivent, a partner committed to uplifting student-athletes who understand that true success is measured not just by performance, but by the impact they make in their communities. Through this partnership, Athletes for Hope is able to expand opportunities for student-athletes to lead, serve, and inspire the next generation.

Together, we are proud to celebrate athletes who demonstrate that the impact they make beyond the game can be just as meaningful as their achievements in competition.

Learn more about the AFH U Awards and the student-athletes making a difference at athletesforhope.org.

AFH U Awards: Celebrating Student-Athletes Creating Impact in Their Communities

Posted: March 16, 2026 Updated: April 10, 2026 by Jasmine Moore

At Athletes for Hope, we believe the influence of athletes extends far beyond competition. Through Athletes for Hope University (AFH U), student-athletes across the country are using their time, talent, and platform to create meaningful change in their communities.

Each month, the AFH U Awards recognize athletes who exemplify leadership through service. This month, we are proud to celebrate two incredible examples of student-athletes making an impact both on and off the field: Jackson Rimes of LSU Track & Field and the Georgetown Field Hockey team.

Jackson Rimes — LSU Track & Field

Louisiana native and LSU Tigers Track & Field javelin thrower Jackson Rimes recently brought energy and inspiration to students at FLAIM Elementary School.

During his visit, Jackson led a physical education class through a series of warm-ups and exercises, transforming an ordinary gym class into an engaging and empowering experience. His enthusiasm helped encourage students to stay active, work together, and have fun through movement.

Moments like this demonstrate the powerful role athletes can play as role models for young people. By stepping into the classroom and sharing his passion for physical activity, Jackson helped show students what dedication, leadership, and positivity look like in action.

Georgetown Field Hockey

The Georgetown Field Hockey team has been a consistent and inspiring presence in the community throughout the year.

As active participants in Athletes for Hope’s CHAMPS program, the team regularly visits HD Cooke Elementary School each month to facilitate the CHAMPS curriculum with local students. Through these visits, the athletes mentor young people while teaching important lessons about teamwork, leadership, and healthy decision-making.

Their commitment to service doesn’t stop there. Members of the team also took part in the Polar Plunge, helping raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics.

Through their ongoing involvement and dedication to service, the Georgetown Field Hockey team continues to demonstrate what it means to lead through sport.

Leading Beyond the Game with Thrivent

The work of Jackson Rimes and the Georgetown Field Hockey team highlights what the AFH U program is all about — empowering student-athletes to use their voices and platforms to make a positive difference.

Through the continued support of our partner Thrivent, Athletes for Hope is able to expand opportunities for student-athletes to lead in their communities and inspire the next generation. Together, we are proud to celebrate athletes who demonstrate that the impact they make beyond the game can be just as meaningful as their achievements in competition.

AFH U Honors Student-Athletes Leading Through Service

Posted: February 20, 2026 Updated: April 10, 2026 by Jasmine Moore

Athletes for Hope is proud to recognize our February AFH U Award Winners, honoring student-athletes who are using sport as a platform to serve others and strengthen their communities. With the support of our partners at Thrivent, AFH U continues to highlight athletes who show that leadership is about far more than performance—it’s about purpose.

AFH U Student-Athlete of the Month: Connor Perritt of Southern University Football

Connor Perritt is the definition of intentional leadership. Month after month, Connor actively seeks opportunities to give back—both individually and alongside his team—demonstrating a deep commitment to service in the Baton Rouge community.

This month alone, Connor made two visits to Southern Laboratory School, where he led kindergartners through fun physical activities and engaging story time. His ability to connect with young students, encourage movement, and create a welcoming environment reflects the heart of AFH U’s mission: meeting communities where they are and inspiring the next generation through presence and care.

Connor’s consistency and willingness to serve highlight how small moments—shared stories, movement, and encouragement—can have a lasting impact. His leadership reminds us that showing up matters.

AFH U Team of the Month: Loyola Marymount University Baseball

The LMU Baseball team is being recognized for their ongoing partnership with Westchester Little League, a collaboration rooted in mentorship, consistency, and genuine connection.

Throughout the semester, members of the LMU Baseball team visited weekly to support coaches during practices, assist with skill development, and mentor younger athletes on and off the field. For the kids of Westchester Little League, this partnership offered a rare and meaningful opportunity to learn from collegiate athletes they admire—an experience that will stay with them long after the season ends.

By committing their time and energy week after week, the LMU Baseball team demonstrated that impact isn’t about a single event—it’s about sustained engagement. Their dedication embodies the spirit of AFH U and the power of athletes to inspire confidence, growth, and joy in their communities.

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 Leadership Beyond the Game

Connor Perritt and the LMU Baseball team represent what AFH U is all about: athletes using their voices, time, and platforms to serve others and strengthen their communities.

We are proud to honor these leaders and grateful for the ripple effects of their service. Their work reminds us that when athletes lead with heart, the impact reaches far beyond the scoreboard.

Congratulations to this month’s AFH U Award recipients—and thank you for showing us what service through sport truly looks like.

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

Posted: December 17, 2025 Updated: December 18, 2025 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 Expands to New Campus

Posted: August 27, 2024 Updated: November 27, 2024 by kReeves

WASHINGTON, D.C. – [August 27, 2024] Athletes for Hope (AFH) is proud to announce the launch of its AFH University program at American University (AU), set to empower student-athletes to become leaders in community engagement and social impact.

The AFH University program at American will provide student-athletes with valuable tools and opportunities to leverage their platforms for positive change. Through educational workshops, leadership development, and facilitated volunteer opportunities, student-athletes will gain skills that benefit them both in and out of their sport.

The partnership officially kicked off on August 6 with an AFH Empowerment workshop for the American University men’s basketball team, marking the beginning of a transformative journey for the university’s student-athletes. AFH facilitated a second Empowerment Workshop with women’s soccer on August 23 and in addition to these two teams, AFH U will work with women’s basketball, women’s lacrosse and wrestling this upcoming fall semester.

Group photo of American men's basketball after AFH's Empowerment workshop. — American Men’s Basketball after an Empowerment Workshop

Group photo of American women's soccer after AFH's Empowerment workshop. — American Men’s Basketball after an Empowerment Workshop

“We’re thrilled to bring the AFH University program to American,” said AFH CEO Jason Belinkie. “This collaboration will equip American’s student-athletes with the resources and opportunities to make a significant impact in their community while developing crucial leadership skills that will serve them throughout their athletic careers and beyond.”

AFH’s goals for this program is to empower American University student-athletes by connecting them with local community partners and guiding them in discovering the causes they are passionate about. This initiative will provide impactful volunteer opportunities, enabling students to use their skills and passion to meet genuine community needs. AFH is committed to supporting the ongoing community efforts of American student-athletes with partners like DC Central Kitchen and Potomac Conservancy, while also introducing them to new organizations.

“Our student-athletes are passionate about being active in the community around us, and this partnership with Athletes for Hope will help align those opportunities for them to help make a difference,” said AU’s Director of Athletics & Recreation JM Caparro. “As a department, we want to build leaders both on and off the field of play, and I appreciate Jason and his team for playing a pivotal role in the development of our student-athletes.”

The AFH University program at American adds to the organization’s growing presence in the Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area, which includes existing programs at Georgetown University, Howard University, and Bowie State University. This expansion creates opportunities for collaborative impact across the region’s universities.

To learn more about the AFH University program, please visit our program page.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Kylie Barlowe at kbarlowe@athletesforhope.org.

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About Athletes for Hope

Founded by Muhammad Ali, Andre Agassi, Mia Hamm, and nine other elite athletes in 2006, Athletes for Hope (AFH) is a national non-profit that educates, encourages, and empowers athletes to find their passions and use their time to positively engage with their communities. Over the past 18 years, AFH has educated more than 12,000 professional, Olympic, Paralympic, and collegiate athletes through its Causeway workshop series, and helped athletes volunteer with hundreds of underserved schools and impactful community organizations. Through their dedication and passion for doing good, AFH athletes have positively impacted the lives of millions around the world.

2023-2024 AFH University Award Winners

Posted: July 17, 2024 Updated: July 17, 2024 by kReeves

After the completion of this year’s AFH U Student-Athlete of the Year and Team of the Year national voting campaign, featuring seven student-athletes and seven teams from AFH University, we are thrilled to announce this year’s winners! We are also proud to announce this year’s AFH University Pass the Passion awardees to one student-athlete and one team, chosen by last year’s winners.

Read about their work below and join us in congratulating them on going above and beyond in service over the past academic year.

AFH University Student-Athlete of the Year

Ckelby Givens, Southern Football

Ckelby was eager to join the mental health panel focused on Black history to discuss his upbringing experiences and the absence of discussions aimed at dismantling stigma within his community. His goal is to alter that narrative on the Southern University campus.

AFH University Team of the Year

Clark Atlanta Women’s Basketball

The Clark Atlanta Women’s Basketball team hosted 15 children from the Harland Boys and Girls Club along with three chaperones and gave them a “day in the life” experience. Women’s Basketball along with the Spirit Booster Club showed the kids what a day in the life of a CAU student-athlete is like. The kids from the club were able to spend time with the student-athletes and get to know them and ask questions about what being a collegiate athlete is like. They also spent the game with the Spirit Boosters who showed them different cheers and encouraged them to engage with fans and have fun!

AFH University Pass the Passion Student-Athlete of the Year

Zion Walters standing outside and smiling

Zion Walters, Clark Atlanta Women’s Basketball

For the entire first semester of the school year, Zion attended the Harland Boys and Girls Club weekly to hang out with the kids. In the month of December, she worked tirelessly to help the kids choreograph a dance to perform at their Holiday Party. She worked with the kids for over a month to get the dance perfect to perform in front of all of the staff, kids, and families at the club.

AFH University Pass the Passion Team of the Year

Howard Women’s Lacrosse

Throughout the spring semester, Howard Women’s Lacrosse visited DCPCS – Brightwood campus to conduct CHAMPS sessions. They helped with four sessions with 2nd and 4th graders to discuss the words of month: Courage and Honesty. The consistent visits were invaluable to the children at the school and the women on the team have attended with such excitement and commitment.