afh university Archives - Page 7 of 9

AFH Athletes in Action

Posted: January 28, 2022 Updated: January 31, 2022 by kReeves

MLK Day of Service 2022

In late 2021, AFH student-athletes had plans set for MLK Day of Service in January of 2022. But when COVID-19 numbers increased with the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, many of these events were cancelled or postponed. Did that stop AFH U student-athletes from finding creative and safe ways to give back? Of course not!

Here are some of the highlights:

The Southern University Women’s Soccer team prepped meals at a local shelter in Baton Rouge
Howard Women’s Soccer and Lacrosse assisted with a facility beautification project and food packing and delivery all over Washington, D.C.
LSU Beach Volleyball, Volleyball, Softball, Soccer and Gymnastics all helped with a beautification project at a local high school in Baton Rouge
Georgetown Field Hockey, Rowing, Softball and Track and Field made over 30 blankets for children experiencing homelessness

…and that was all in just one day!

LSU softball team members cleaning the outside of a high school building — Highlights of AFH U student-athletes giving back to their community on MLK Day 2022.

Georgetown student-athletes sit on the floor of a gym making a blanket by hand. — Highlights of AFH U student-athletes giving back to their community on MLK Day 2022.

Other AFH Athletes took the MLK Day of Service Pledge, committing to use their platforms beyond just January 17th, 2022 while the Howard University Golf Team shared why MLK Day is important and what it means to them:

Featuring Jada Richardson, Kendall Jackson, Richard Jones and Edward Whiten of Howard University Golf.

For so many across the country, “MLK Day” is a day off from work. But for Athletes for Hope and the athletes we work with, it’s a day on. This year was no different even though circumstances were a little more difficult to navigate than normal.

We are so proud of these athletes for carrying on Dr. King’s legacy and we know they will continue to do so throughout the year, and beyond.

AFH News

Posted: December 2, 2021 Updated: December 2, 2021 by kReeves

MSU Student-Athletes Hold Annual Food Drive

by Meredith Norris, Michigan State AFH University Intern

As we begin to navigate another COVID-19 pandemic holiday season, those who able, are eager to give back. Michigan State, a proud member of AFH University, acknowledged this and took action.

Over a week’s time, MSU student-athletes held their annual SAAC Food Drive. Donation bags were dropped off at nearly 2,000 East Lansing homes. A week later, student athletes went back out into the community and collected food from those who donated. MSU also accepted donations at the home ice hockey game.

“I participated in the food drive because I feel it’s really important for student athletes to give back to our communities. A huge part of why I was able to make it to this level of sports was due to the support of my community, and I want to reciprocate. It’s also just a great feeling to help those who are in need!”
Emily Petrosky, Women’s Rowing

In partnership with the Greater Lansing Food Bank, Michigan State student-athletes collected over 5,000 pounds of non-perishable food and hygiene products. The Greater Lansing community has been a huge supporter of Michigan State and its student athletes; the food drive is just one example of how student athletes try to give back to those that make an impact on their lives.

Three MSU student-athletes stand together smiling, holding their food donation bags. — Spartans show off the bags of non-perishable food collected and donated to the Greater Lansing Food Bank.

Spartans show off the bags of non-perishable food collected and donated to the Greater Lansing Food Bank.

“The food drive afforded not only me, but my whole team, the opportunity to give back to the community and help those in need during this difficult time! I am grateful for this opportunity to give back to a community that’s given so much to me!”
Talia Edmonds, Women’s Volleyball

We are so proud of all the Spartans who donated both their time and resources to provide non perishables and other necessities to those in need!

AFH University | MSU Spartans Give Back

Posted: April 7, 2021 Updated: April 7, 2021 by jbelinkie

Written by Isabella Legarza, former MSU Women’s Volleyball player and current Athletes for Hope intern.

As we continue to move forward in this ever-changing world, a pandemic isn’t going to stop Michigan State Spartans from participating in community service. Since the fall, student-athletes have been under extreme COVID-19 protocols in order to compete in their respected sport. In honor of National Nutrition Month, Michigan State Student-Athletes teamed up with Athletes for Hope and Feeding America to provide meals for those in need in the Greater Lansing area.

After brainstorming COVID-safe service opportunities, Athletes for Hope presented a “Contact-less Food Donation Drive.” The Contact-less Food Drive provided multiple ways of involvement. Spartans were encouraged to collect non- perishables, where an AFH intern would be notified where and when to pick up the donations and drop them off at the Food Bank – keeping this COVID-safe. Another option was to encourage donations as low as $1; for every $1 donated 10 meals were provided in the Greater Lansing Area.

As the National Nutrition Month comes to an end, we are excited to report the great work that has been done. Over 8,000 meals will be provided to the Greater Lansing community. We are so proud of the Spartan participation. Together, we can connect, raise awareness and inspire those around us.

AFH Honored in East Baton Rouge

Posted: February 24, 2021 Updated: February 24, 2021 by jbelinkie

Athletes for Hope (AFH) was honored at East Baton Rouge School Board’s February meeting in recognition of the AFH University program’s dedication to students in the community. During the fall semester, student athletes from Southern and LSU provided story time and fitness videos in partnership with Volunteers in Public Schools that was shared with schools throughout the city.

“We wanted to acknowledge Athletes for Hope this month for their contribution of exercise videos and story times that teachers can use with their in-person and virtual students. It is important that children stay active and continue to read. With these videos, our hope is that they are motivated and see that staying healthy by exercising their minds and their bodies is important. It is also important for them to see collegiate volunteers showing their support and encouraging them to take care of themselves, and hopefully inspire them to pursue higher education.” -Kaia Simmons, VIPS Volunteer and Community Partners Director

“It was an honor to represent Athletes for Hope at the East Baton Rouge School Board meeting. Even though we have been limited with in-person service, through Volunteers In Public Schools we have been able to continue teaching, connecting, and inspiring the youth virtually this year. I can’t wait to see how we can reach our schools in other creative ways this semester.” -Aubrion James, Southern Softball and AFH Intern

Learn more about AFH University programming here.

AFH University’s Southern Baseball Beautifies Local School

Posted: August 14, 2020 by Brooke McMillan

On Tuesday, August 11^th Southern Baseball partnered with Volunteers in Public Schools for a campus beautification project at Cedarcrest-Southmoor Elementary. With a donation from Mid City Redevelopment, the team of 50 were able to help beautify the school’s campus by cleaning and planting flower beds and gardens.

”It is always great to get out to help as a team as much as we possibly can. Giving back to public schools in Louisiana is extremely important and we’re happy to serve our community in that way. It makes us feel good and people we’re helping feel good.” – Hampton Hudson, AFH SU Basbeball

“I went to public schools in New Orleans. So being able to give back to public schools and give them the help they need is always important to me. It also gives us an opportunity to show our new teammates what it is like to give back. I hope they take something back from every community service project.”- Jacob Snyder, AFH SU Baseball

“We are excited to be here at Cedarcrest doing some beautification projects while the kids are away. When they come back to school after the virtual learning environment, they’ll come back to a great campus. We would like to thank Mid City Redevelopment for their donation of the tools. We had all 50 of our guys out here today and it was a beautiful experience. ”- Coach Kerrick Jackson, Southern Baseball

“We have had an amazing morning at Cedarcrest. They were able to clean out our school garden and make the entrance of our school very inviting. Even though we don’t have students here right now we are constantly preparing for their return. We would like to thank our community partners for working along with us for this project.”- Ms. Sylvain, Cedarcrest-Southmoor Elementary Principal

Announcing the Winners of the 2020 AFH U Student-Athlete and Team of the Year Awards

Posted: May 28, 2020 Updated: February 13, 2026 by Brooke McMillan

On May 11, 2020, Athletes for Hope University launched the voting campaign for its second annual National AFH U Student-Athlete and Team of the Year Awards. The goal of the national awards is to recognize individual student-athletes and teams for their dedication to volunteering and serving with their communities. During the 2019-20 school year, four student-athletes and four teams from AFH U sites across the U.S. were nominated through monthly nominations.

After two weeks of online voting and social media promotion, the national voting campaign received 4,578 votes.

We are so proud to announce LSU Volleyball’s Sydney Mukes as the AFH U Student-Athlete of the Year and Southern Women’s Soccer as the AFH U Team of the Year!

AFH U 2020 Student-Athlete & Team of the Year

Sydney played an integral role in the service nature of the LSU Volleyball team and made a lasting impact at Glasgow Middle School in Baton Rouge.

“Sydney gives her heart and soul to everything she does,” said Fran Flory, the head coach of the LSU Tigers indoor volleyball team. “She loves helping others most and making a positive difference in their lives. Her involvement in our community, especially Glasgow Middle School reflects that commitment. She makes others around her better.”

AFH U 2020 Student-Athlete of the Year Sydney Mukes

The Southern Women’s Soccer team embodied service and showed a strong commitment to giving back by showing up in large numbers at events. At the time of their nomination, they had most recently volunteered for the Susan G Komen’s Race for the Cure and cheered on survivors at the finish line.

Both Sydney and the LSU Volleyball team and the Southern Women’s Soccer team worked collaboratively to make an impact in the Baton Rouge community. We are very thankful for their commitment to service and are proud to award them this recognition!