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Athletes in Action

Posted: Updated: by Hannah Bronkema

AFH University January 2024 Roundup

Developed in 2013, our AFH University program helps college athletes explore leadership, life skill development, advocacy, their role in the community, and how to discover their philanthropic passions. 

As 2024 began, our student-athletes wasted no time getting back into service projects throughout their communities.

Athletes from Georgetown, Southern University and LSU engaged in community beautification projects, served on MLK Day, and more!

Georgetown

Keep Austin Beautiful

The Georgetown women’s rowing team visited Austin the first week of January and jumped right in to help with a beautification project.

They supported a Keep Austin Beautiful project and took kayaks out with the Austin Rowing Club, as well as engaged in picking up trash and other items along the waterfront. Despite visiting another state for training, they continued their dedication to service and community.

Martha’s Table

On January 15, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, student-athletes at Georgetown University were one of the many AFH University campuses who volunteered to honor the life and legacy of Dr.King.

Student-athletes collected pantry items for their on-campus food pantry and participated in a pop-up market on MLK Jr. Avenue hosted by Martha’s Table in collaboration with the Annual MLK Day of Service Parade in Downtown, D.C.

Southern University

The Walls Project

As a part of MLK Day 2024, Southern baseball and Southern soccer participated in a three-part community service project. This year’s project was focused on beautifying the Eden Park neighborhood. Service zones consisted of revitalizing a basketball court, painting houses and murals to cleaning up blight along the streets. 

Southern baseball facilitated clean-up along the streets of the Gus Young Neighborhood while Southern soccer assisted with a beautification project at Eden Park by painting a mural on a vacant building.

On MLK Day, I got a chance to give back to the community. It is my duty as a Southern Jag and a student athlete to take opportunities to serve on such a monumental day. My teammates and I walked the streets of Baton Rouge by the MLK Center picking up trash. It always feels good giving back and I plan to continue helping every chance I get.

Qunicy Smith, Southern Baseball

Louisiana State University (LSU)

Girls On The Run

During MLK Day 2024, a group of LSU student-athletes and athletic administration members were able to build program bags designed to help young girls who are participating with Girls On The Run, a nonprofit organization that is designed to be a mentoring program and a running club that is training for a 5k.

I had the chance of facilitating our volunteers to pack running kits for elementary aged girls that are a part of the Girls On The Run program. As a female athlete, I believe that it is important to build the future generation so that they to can feel the same sense of achievement that I feel. Through this volunteer opportunity, I hope that the girls feel the care and love that their community has for them.

Shani’a Bellamy, LSU Track & Field

Empower 225: Dream Center

During MLK Day 2024, LSU student-athletes were also able to give back to the Baton Rouge area through a field day.

Volunteers facilitated a field day with Empower225: Dream Center, a program in the Baton Rouge area that aims to empower the youth in the area who are at risk of homelessness and dependency. 

It was great being able to hang out with the kids and see them having fun and smiling. I enjoyed being able to speak with some of them and give some words of encouragement.

Morgan Smalls, LSU Track & Field

As we enter into another year of AFH University, we are excited to watch all of our campuses engage their communities through various service projects throughout the year. We are so proud of all of our student-athletes whose continued dedication to positively impacting their communities is changing the world!

AFH News

Posted: Updated: by Hannah Bronkema

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Athletes for Hope Unites in Service on MLK Day 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Athletes will step up to serve as volunteers on the annual Martin Luther King, Jr., holiday to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King and improve their communities. Athletes for Hope University (AFH University) student-athletes from Georgetown University, Howard University, and Bowie State University will hold food drives for their on-campus food pantries and volunteer with local food organizations as they tackle the disparities of food insecurity, joining hundreds of thousands of Americans across the country in volunteer service.

Observed each year on the third Monday in January, Martin Luther King, Jr., Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King and improve their communities. AmeriCorps has been charged with leading this effort for more than a quarter century. While much work remains to fulfill Dr. King’s dream of creating the Beloved Community, AmeriCorps remains committed to showing that joining together in service can unify Americans of different backgrounds and experiences to transform unjust systems through a fierce urgency of now.

AFH University student-athletes at Georgetown University and Howard University will collect pantry items for their respective on-campus food pantries, Hoya Hub Food Pantry, and the Store@HU. Volunteers will also participate in a pop-up market on MLK Jr. Avenue hosted by Martha’s Table in collaboration with the Annual MLK Day of Service Parade in Downtown, D.C.

“Today we answer Dr. King’s call to serve and are making a difference in the lives of D.C. residents,” said Sara Keane, Assistant Director, AFH University at Athletes for Hope. “Let’s honor Dr. King’s legacy by working toward a more just and equitable society, where everyone is valued and respected, regardless of their race, religion, or background. By participating in service projects, we can bridge divides, heal wounds, and create lasting change that will benefit our communities for years to come. Together, let’s unite across differences, serve with our neighbors, and transform our communities as we strive toward a brighter future for all.”

AFH University student-athletes at Bowie State University will be participating in an event in conjunction with their on-campus food pantry, the Nutrition Lounge. In addition to the pantry event, the University is partnering with RISE Against Hunger to prepare and package up to 20,000 meals for those in need across the greater Washington, D.C. community.

“Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve,” Dr. King said. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” Whether you plan on cleaning up a public space, mentoring a young person, training tutors, or assisting those who are food insecure or unhoused, what you do makes a world of difference. Find opportunities to volunteer for MLK Day of Service and engage with your community while honoring the legacy of Dr. King at AmeriCorps.gov/MLKDay. 

For media inquiries please contact Diana Venezia, dvenezia@athletesforhope.org, (908) 462-4189

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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 cause-neutral 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 16 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 core programs that focus on helping underserved children become more physically active, changing the public stigma around mental health, and brightening the lives of children in hospitals. Through their dedication and passion for doing good, AFH athletes have positively impacted the lives of millions around the world.

About AmeriCorps

AmeriCorps, the federal agency for volunteerism and national service, provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country domestically, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, improve lives and communities, and strengthen civic engagement. Each year, the agency places more than 200,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in intensive service roles; and empowers millions more to serve as long-term, short-term, or one-time volunteers. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.

AFH Athlete Spotlight

Posted: Updated: by Hannah Bronkema

Tennis player Ingrid Neel serves on and off court

Born in Oyster Bay, New York, professional tennis player Ingrid Neel is as passionate about serving on the court as she is about serving her community.

Ingrid Neel wearing sunglasses in all white tennis outfit with one foot in the air, hair in a ponytail swaying underneath a visor, on a tennis court after a follow through.

She remembers falling in love with the game of tennis at age 6 thanks to her first coach who made the experience fun. Through group competition with friends, it was the early years that would later solidify Neel as N0. 39 in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) doubles rankings in October 2023.

As she grew older, finding ways to use her platform for a greater cause came with ease for Neel thanks to her role models.

“I always noticed how so many of the players I looked up to started their own charities and I knew that whenever I had the chance, I would want to give back as well.”

While she has won three doubles titles on the WTA Tour, three doubles titles on the WTA Challenger Tour with two singles and twelve doubles titles on the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Circuit, Neel says that she feels lucky to be in her current position.

“I am lucky to be one of a couple of hundred people in the world who have the opportunity to travel the world competing in this sport, so I’m not going to waste it.”

Ingrid Neal poses with her doubles partner Ulrikke Eikeri as they hold up their first place trophy between them. Both girls in white tank tops with blue bottoms.

And waste it she has not. Aside from competing at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open, her favorite tennis match is the one for a good cause.

“My favorite community service project that I was able to be a part of was the Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic for children’s cancer research. I was a kid myself when I raised money and played in the event and it hit me how fortunate a position I was in, it meant a lot to be able to contribute to a cause like that.”

The pressures of being a professional athlete don’t ease up, however, Neel still finds time to engage in community causes.

Similarly to the Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic, Neel says many of her opportunities to serve are closely related to tournament tennis activities because she is often on the road.

As she looks to continue to compete on the WTA Tour, Neel knows that when she does retire she will use her time to give back to others.

Ingrid Neel smiles next to Isis Gill at the 2022 U.S. Open.

“Wherever I settle down after my tennis career, I hope that I can be involved in the community, helping kids pursue their passion for sports to use as a vessel for school and lifelong happiness,” exclaimed Neel.

Neel may seem to have a natural ability to weave together service and sport; however, for other athletes who want to incorporate the two, she offers some advice- start small.

“So many people want to hear your story and look up to you as inspiration,” Neel said. “Any chance you have to help others, no matter how big or small, will mean a great deal to someone.”

AFH News

Posted: Updated: by Hannah Bronkema

What We’re Reading

Holiday Edition

Every day, athletes all over the world are doing incredible work in their communities by giving back, creating opportunities for those less fortunate, and making connections that will last a lifetime.

The holiday season is a time when we can give back to others in our community. From ‘The Gift of Game, giving back to inmates, hosting an annual holiday giveaway, tackling food insecurity, and more, here are five articles the AFH team has read over the holiday season that you may have missed.

“Money raised through Wilson’s “Gift of Game” donation will benefit local YMCAs in 20 key markets around the U.S. Funding will be used to provide more Y scholarships, enabling access to play by subsidizing more membership and youth sports fees for under-served kids in 2024.”


Read the full article on wilson.com.

“Kuzma offered children who were visiting their mothers at the jail Christmas gifts. Additionally, he helped donate more than $60,000 worth of clothes to the incarcerated women to wear upon their release and to job interviews through the Kyle Kuzma Family Foundation.”


Read the full article on theflintcouriernews.com.

“We are giving back to the community in which we all grew up in, which is Yulee,” said Rose Johnson, Henry’s aunt. “We have always been a giving family and my grandmother would be proud to see that her family is still giving back in the giving season.”


Read the full article on firstcoastnews.com.

“It’s a really cool opportunity to give back to the people who need it, especially around this time of year,” linebacker Curtis Robinson said. “I love the holidays. It just feels really good to be a part of something that can help families that need a little assistance, have a really good holiday and enjoy the season.”


Read the full article on 49ers.com.

“Queen’s student-athletes always step up at this time of year to help us provide food to the community over the holidays,” says Ronda Candy, Executive Director of Martha’s Table. “The donation they bring is significant each year, and we’re very grateful to everyone who contributed to this year’s drive.”


Read the full article on queensu.ca.

AFH Athlete Spotlight

Posted: Updated: by Hannah Bronkema

North Carolina Native Bobsleds Towards Brighter Tomorrow

A driving force behind Team USA Bobsled, Adrian Adams is getting a second opportunity to live out the ‘American Dream’ as he follows in his father’s footsteps.

Growing up in Reidsville, North Carolina, Adams began his athletic pursuits from a young age. He was an all-star on his high school varsity football team, helping them to win back-to-back championships in 2002 and 2003.

His football achievements eventually led him to North Carolina A&T University, where he found himself underneath the stadium lights again as a wide receiver and once graduated he began playing arena football.

Now, he is chasing a dream that is ‘bigger than himself’ with USA Bobsled, falling in love with the sport almost instantaneously.

“Immediately after my first trip down in a bobsled, I was ready to go again,” said Adams. “I grew up loving rollercoaster rides and this felt like that x20.”

Adams began the sport of bobsled in mid-2012, following in his father, Randy Russell’s, footsteps. Russell competed in the sport from the 1990’s to mid-2000 and it was from his encouragement that Adams decided to eventually try out for the team.

Since becoming a fierce bobsled competitor, Adams has become an 8x National Team Member, 4x World Championships Team Member, 2022 2-man IBSF World Push Champion, and 2022 4-man IBSF World Push Champion, with numerous gold and silver medals for 2-man and 4-man in North American Cup races.

Despite the accolades, Adams says his greatest strength comes from his community.

From day one Adams says he recognized how much of an influence he had as an athlete to create positive change in his community, and from day one, he has done just that.

At his 9 to 5, he works at a therapeutic boarding school for boys. Here he helps turn around and change young men’s paths back on the right track.

“Kids can look at someone such as myself and story to be or stay encouraged,” Adams said. “I give back simply because without my community I wouldn’t be where I am today. I’m passionate about where I’m from, I want to inspire kids to try different sports and things.”

His advice to athletes who want to give back but are lost on where to start? It’s not a matter of how, it’s a matter of just doing it.

Even with his busy schedule, Adams recognizes that to give back means sometimes he must go out of his way to make things happen.

Over the summer Adams and other Team USA Bobsled & Skeleton teammates met in Charlotte, North Carolina, for an Athletes for Hope workshop and four-part service project where he was able to partake in his favorite service project yet with Dream On 3.

During the service project, he golfed and interacted with over 65 children and their families at Top Golf from Take On Sports, an organization that focuses on providing sports and competition for youth and adults with physical and/or intellectual challenges.

What is in store next for Adams and his community? That is to be determined; however, Adams says he looks forward to continuing to serve whenever and however he can.

AFH Staff Piece

Posted: Updated: by Hannah Bronkema

Getting Into the Holiday Spirit by Giving Back to Others

By Mattis Koch, Mental Health Research & Digital Media Intern

As the Giving Season approaches, athletes from various sports are coming together to make a difference in their communities through volunteering and giving back.

“It’s all about bringing holiday cheer and bringing resources and support for people that need it,” said NBA star and 2021 AFH Community Hero Award recipient Stephen Curry.

Athletes for Hope is dedicated to encouraging and aiding athletes across all levels to use their platform to create lasting change in their communities through the holiday season and beyond. 

Volunteering During the Holiday Season

In addressing the pressing issue of food insecurity, the significant surge in volunteerism during the holiday season, both nationally and within the athletic community, reflects a shared commitment to making a positive impact. According to HandsOn Connect (2021), non-profit organizations experience a remarkable 50% increase in volunteers during the holiday season compared to the yearly average. This spirit of giving extends to the world of athletics, where professional and collegiate athletes actively engage in philanthropic opportunities. Sports teams often participate in initiatives addressing food insecurity, including our AFH University student-athletes at Georgetown University, where soccer, rowing, and softball teams packed over 1,000 sandwiches that were donated in the local D.C. area.

A Georgetown student-athlete prepares a sandwich.
Sandwhiches packed for Martha's Table, a nonprofit in Washington D.C.
Georgetown student-athletes work together to package sandwiches made.

However, despite these commendable efforts, the challenges of food insecurity persist, demanding continued attention and action. More than 44 million people in the US face hunger, including 1 in 5 children (Feeding America). Hunger occurs for people from all walks of life but doesn’t affect everyone equally. Groups like children, seniors, Black, Indigenous, and other people of color face hunger at higher rates. With regards to athletics, up to 60% of Division I collegiate athletes are food insecure (Department of Nutrition and Dietetics). 

As Minnesota Vikings player and AFH Community Hero of the Week Dalton Risner mentioned in our athlete spotlight ,“We may not be stopping world hunger but we are making a positive impact one day at a time without turning down opportunities to do more.”

Dalton Risner smiles between two other volunteers.

How can you help? Consider volunteering at your local food pantry and participating in charitable opportunities in your community. Educating and advocating also play a crucial role in addressing food security. Donating to organizations such as Stephen Curry’s Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation or local nonprofits that focus on tackling the disparities of food insecurity in their communities. By coming together and taking action, we can work towards a more equitable and hunger-free future for all.

Get Involved with Athletes for Hope

Often, athletes want to make a positive difference in the world, but they don’t always know how to begin or how to turn their charitable passions into action. If you are a current or former athlete whose 2024 resolution is to give back to your community, Athletes for Hope is here to help.

Our Causeway takes the form of a road map to illustrate an athlete’s journey through the world of philanthropy. Contrary to an athlete’s competitive spirit, their philanthropic journey along the Causeway is not a race. Each athlete proceeds at their own pace as Athletes for Hope guides them every step of the way.

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