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

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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.

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.