Allstate and the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) have teamed up to honor exceptional student-athletes with the launch of the inaugural Allstate NACDA Good Works Team for winter sports. This new initiative recognizes 20 standout athletes from various collegiate winter sports for their remarkable contributions to community service, athletics, and academics. This is the first time the Good Works Team has expanded to include athletes from all collegiate sports and divisions.
The selection process was competitive, with nearly 200 nominees from across the nation. A distinguished Selection Committee reviewed the nominations to choose the final team, showcasing the diverse impact student-athletes have in their communities. The honored athletes represent nine different winter sports and come from five collegiate divisions, highlighting the broad reach of this program.
Sophia Groth, a gymnast from Auburn University, has been named the team captain. She is the first female athlete to lead this group. Groth has taken on significant leadership roles, including serving as president of Auburn’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. She has been a strong advocate for community outreach and has worked to support student-parents through initiatives like Baby Steps. Additionally, she led The Big House Toy Drive, which brought joy to children in Alabama during the holidays.
Groth expressed her gratitude for the captaincy, stating that true leadership extends beyond sports achievements and includes giving back to the community.
The Allstate NACDA Good Works Team builds on the legacy of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, which has celebrated college football players’ community efforts since 1992. The new program will recognize 60 student-athletes annually across all seasons—fall, winter, and spring.
The winter team includes athletes from various levels of collegiate competition, including junior colleges, NAIA, and NCAA divisions I, II, and III. Some of the notable members include:
- Audrey Wethington from Minnesota, who has dedicated over 1,000 hours to heart research and volunteers at Masonic Children’s Hospital, providing therapeutic activities for young patients.
- Sion James from Duke, who founded the Sion James Foundation and organized a toy drive that delivered 1,800 toys to children in need.
- Colby Kern from Saint John’s University in Minnesota, who leads a meal-packing event that provided nearly 90,000 meals to combat food insecurity in 2024.
The full roster of the Allstate NACDA Good Works Team and their inspiring stories can be found on the NACDA website.
Elizabeth Brady, Allstate’s chief marketing officer, praised the student-athletes for embodying the best qualities of collegiate athletics, emphasizing their leadership and service. Pat Manak, NACDA’s CEO, also expressed pride in the collaboration with Allstate to recognize these athletes and their positive contributions to society.
The Allstate NACDA Good Works Team will continue to highlight student-athletes’ service throughout the year, with plans for upcoming teams representing spring and fall sports.