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

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

Posted: Updated: 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: Updated: 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: Updated: 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.

A New Year, A Lasting Impact: Honoring January AFH U Award Winners

Posted: Updated: by Jasmine Moore

Athletes for Hope is proud to recognize our January 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: Tori Tatum of LSU Gymnastics

Throughout her time at LSU, Tori Tatum has made a meaningful and consistent impact in the Baton Rouge community. Her service includes work with The Walls Project and Girls on the Run, where she supports youth through creativity, confidence, and movement.

Tori is also a regular volunteer at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital, where she spends time in the activity room facilitating games and bringing moments of joy to young patients and their families. Her dedication reflects the heart of AFH U—showing up consistently, leading with compassion, and using time and presence to make a difference.

AFH U Team of the Month: Howard Women’s Basketball

Howard Women’s Basketball closed out the year by winning both on and off the court through impactful acts of service and community engagement. The team came together to prepare 600 PB&J sandwiches and 300+ bags of trail mix for Bread for the City, helping support neighbors facing food insecurity.

Just days later, the team partnered with Fight for Children to host 12 families from Garfield Elementary School at their game against St. Bonaventure. The experience included meet-and-greets with players, autographs, photos, and meaningful time spent together—creating memories that extended far beyond the final buzzer.

Their commitment to service, teamwork, and joy exemplifies what it means to lead through sport.

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

Stories like these reinforce the heart of the AFH U mission—that sport is a powerful force for good. Tori Tatum and Howard Women’s Basketball show what’s possible when student-athletes lead with service, compassion, and purpose, creating impact that reaches far beyond competition.

To every athlete, partner, and supporter who makes this work possible—thank you. Together, we’re not just recognizing service; we’re shaping a culture where leadership, community, and giving back are part of the game.

Double Your Impact: Thrivent Matches Donations for AFH Giving Tuesday Week

Posted: Updated: by Jasmine Moore

Athletes for Hope (AFH) is thrilled to announce a weeklong Giving Tuesday campaign, made even more powerful thanks to our ongoing partnership with Thrivent. From November 24 through December 2, every donation made to AFH will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $40,000—doubling your impact in creating athlete philanthropists and changemakers.

Throughout the week, we’ll be sharing athlete testimonials on Instagram, showing the real impact AFH has on athletes and their communities—and why our programs are essential to empowering athletes to lead with purpose.

Your support helps AFH tackle critical causes, including physical and mental health, while empowering athletes to use their voices for positive change.

We’re especially excited to launch this campaign ahead of our Play for Good Gala on December 6, where Thrivent will serve as the presenting partner. Together, AFH and Thrivent are making it easier than ever for supporters to contribute to lasting change—and to see their generosity multiplied.

Join us in making a difference this Giving Tuesday week. Every donation counts, and every dollar goes twice as far.

DONATE NOW!

AFH University Awards: Celebrating November’s Purpose-Driven Student-Athletes

Posted: Updated: by Jasmine Moore

At Athletes for Hope University, we believe leadership isn’t just earned on the field, it’s cultivated in the community. Every month, we recognize student-athletes and teams whose service, compassion, and commitment demonstrate what it truly means to use sport as a force for good.

This November, we’re proud to honor two outstanding recipients whose work embodies that mission.

Athlete of the Month: Ryan Harris, Davidson Track & Field

Leadership isn’t always loud, sometimes it looks like consistency, reliability, and showing up for others week after week. For Davidson College Track & Field athlete Ryan Harris, service has become a cornerstone of his college experience.

Ryan has been a steadfast volunteer with the Ada Jenkins Center, helping staff prepare for youth events and providing much-needed support for programs designed to uplift local families. His presence is not only meaningful to the children who greet him with excitement each week, it has also inspired a ripple effect throughout campus.

Ryan has played a key role in encouraging other Davidson student-athletes to get involved, growing a culture of service within the athletic community. His leadership, reliability, and passion for building meaningful connections make him a standout example of what AFH U represents.

Thank you, Ryan, for your leadership beyond sport.

Team of the Month: Long Beach State Softball

Joining the AFH U network is one thing — but Long Beach State Softball wasted no time in making their presence felt. As one of our newest teams, they jumped into service with enthusiasm and a determination to build momentum across campus.

Their first event with AFH U set the tone: LBSU athletes made more than 300 sandwiches for community members experiencing food insecurity. Their energy and commitment during this event became a catalyst, helping pull in additional student-athletes and teams across Long Beach State’s athletic department.

But they didn’t stop there. The team also dedicated their time to participating in an inclusive sports day with students from the Long Beach Unified School District, engaging with Adaptive PE students and creating a welcoming, joyful environment where all kids could experience the power of sport.

From food insecurity to inclusive play, LBSU Softball is leading with heart and setting a powerful example for teams everywhere.

Thank you, LBSU Softball, for your impact beyond the game.

Celebrating Service That Inspires

Our AFH U Awards honor athletes who understand that their influence stretches far beyond the scoreboard. Ryan Harris and the Long Beach State Softball team remind us that community impact grows when athletes step forward and invite others to join them.

We’re proud to celebrate their work, elevate their stories, and continue building a nationwide network of service-minded leaders.

Thank you for your service beyond sport.