Northbrook, Illinois, has become the focal point of collegiate athletics recognition as Allstate, in partnership with the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), honors 193 exceptional student-athletes for their outstanding contributions in academics, sports, and community service. This inaugural Allstate NACDA Good Works Team (Winter) showcases the remarkable achievements of these young leaders, who are not just athletes but also role models committed to making a positive impact in their communities.
Celebrating Leadership and Community Impact
The 2024-25 Allstate NACDA Good Works Team (Winter) features an impressive roster of nominees, comprising 115 women and 78 men from 17 different sports, including basketball, swimming and diving, gymnastics, and ice hockey. These student-athletes have been nominated by athletics administrators, conference office staff, and coaches based on their exemplary leadership, character, and commitment to service.
Holly Rowe, an ESPN reporter and Allstate NACDA Ambassador, expressed her admiration for these athletes, stating, “These young women and men are more than competitors – they’re leaders, changemakers, and role models.” Their influence extends beyond the game, instilling values such as empathy, resilience, and integrity—qualities that will serve them well throughout their lives.
Notable Nominees from Diverse Sports
The nominees represent a wide array of institutions and sports, highlighting the diversity of talent across collegiate athletics. Some notable nominees include:
- Sierra Ballard – Louisiana State University, Women’s Gymnastics
- Paige Bueckers – University of Connecticut, Women’s Basketball
- Torie Buerger – University of Kentucky, Women’s Swimming & Diving
- Sion James – Duke University, Men’s Basketball
- Jacob Truscott – University of Michigan, Men’s Ice Hockey
A complete list of the 2024-25 Allstate NACDA Winter Good Works Team nominees can be accessed here.
Selection Process for the Final Team
The selection process for the final 20-member team will involve a distinguished committee that includes prominent figures such as Holly Rowe and former NFL linebacker Sam Acho. This committee will choose 10 female and 10 male student-athletes to represent the Allstate NACDA Good Works Team (Winter).
The eligibility criteria for nominations require student-athletes to have completed at least one year (two semesters) of college coursework at a two-year or four-year institution. Nominations can be submitted for one female and one male student-athlete from each winter sport at participating institutions.
A Legacy of Service in College Sports
The Allstate NACDA Good Works Team builds upon the legacy established by the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®, which has celebrated college football players’ contributions off the field since 1992. This initiative now expands to recognize 60 additional student-athletes across all sports and divisions, with groups honored during the fall, winter, and spring collegiate athletics seasons.
Elizabeth Brady, Allstate’s Chief Marketing, Customer and Communications Officer, emphasized the importance of this recognition: “The overwhelmingly positive response to our first-ever Allstate NACDA Good Works Team shows how much this spotlight and support matters. We’re honored to share the stories of these inspiring student-athletes.”
About Allstate and NACDA
The Allstate Corporation, known for its commitment to protecting individuals from life’s uncertainties, offers a wide range of insurance products. With a strong distribution network, Allstate is recognized for its slogan, “You’re in Good Hands with Allstate.” More information can be found on their official website: Allstate.
The NACDA, now in its 60th year, serves as a professional association for over 24,000 college athletics administrators across more than 2,300 institutions in North America. It manages various professional associations and foundations and hosts significant professional development events annually. For more details, visit NACDA.
Final Thoughts
The Allstate NACDA Good Works Team (Winter) not only highlights the achievements of student-athletes in sports but also their dedication to community service and leadership. By recognizing these individuals, Allstate and NACDA inspire future generations to strive for excellence both on and off the field. This initiative underscores the vital role that collegiate athletics play in fostering character and service in young leaders.