In a remarkable collaboration between Allstate and the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), the inaugural Allstate NACDA Good Works Team (Winter) has been unveiled, shining a spotlight on 20 exceptional student-athletes across collegiate winter sports who have excelled in community service, academics, and athletics. This groundbreaking initiative marks the expansion of the Good Works Team to include student-athletes from all collegiate sports and divisions, highlighting the extensive impact these individuals have in their communities.
The final team was carefully selected by the program’s esteemed Selection Committee from a pool of nearly 200 nominees nationwide, showcasing student-athletes from nine winter sports and five collegiate divisions. This diverse representation underscores the remarkable contributions student-athletes make beyond the realm of sports.
Leading the pack as team captain is Auburn gymnast Sophia Groth, a trailblazer who becomes the first female student-athlete to lead this prestigious group. Groth’s leadership extends far beyond her accomplishments in sports; as the president of Auburn’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), she has been a driving force in community outreach, supporting fellow student-athletes, and advocating for student-parents pursuing their degrees through innovative programs like Baby Steps. Her dedication to initiatives like The Big House Toy Drive has brought joy to countless children in need across Alabama.
The Allstate NACDA Good Works Team was announced in December 2024, building on the legacy of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®, which has celebrated the community impact of college football players since 1992. With its expansion to include all national championship sports, the initiative will annually honor 60 student-athletes across fall, winter, and spring seasons.
Meet the Allstate NACDA Good Works Team (Winter)
The inaugural 20-member team represents student-athletes from various levels of collegiate competition, including junior/community college, NAIA, and NCAA divisions I, II, and III, participating in diverse winter sports such as hockey, basketball, swimming and diving, gymnastics, and track and field. Among the standout honorees are:
- Audrey Wethington, Minnesota, Hockey: Devoted over 1,000 hours to heart research at the Visible Heart Laboratories and volunteered at Masonic Children’s Hospital, bringing joy to young patients through therapeutic activities.
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Sion James, Duke, Basketball: Founder of the Sion James Foundation, dedicated to serving and empowering communities; his One-4-All Toy Drive has delivered 1,800 toys to children in need.
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Colby Kern, Saint John’s University (Minn.), Swimming & Diving: Leads an annual meal-packing event to combat food insecurity, providing nearly 90,000 meals to the community in 2024 alone.
The full team roster and their inspiring stories can be explored on the Allstate NACDA Good Works Team website, showcasing the incredible impact these student-athletes have had in their communities.
“These student-athletes embody the spirit of collegiate athletics, showcasing leadership, service, and lasting impact beyond the field of play,” remarked Elizabeth Brady, Allstate’s chief marketing, customer, and communications officer. From empowering youth to advocating for mental health, their work is changing lives for the better.
NACDA’s chief executive officer, Pat Manak, expressed pride in the collaboration with Allstate to expand the Good Works Team program, recognizing student-athletes from all sports and divisions. This initiative offers a national platform to shine a light on the inspiring stories happening at all levels of intercollegiate athletics, acknowledging the positive impact these individuals have during a pivotal moment in the industry.
Looking ahead, the Allstate NACDA Good Works Team will continue to spotlight student-athletes’ service throughout the year, with upcoming teams for spring and fall sports.
In conclusion, the Allstate NACDA Good Works Team (Winter) celebrates the exemplary contributions of student-athletes in community service, academics, and athletics, highlighting the transformative power of collegiate athletics beyond competitions. As we applaud these remarkable individuals, let us be inspired to make a difference in our own communities and strive for excellence both on and off the field.
