Unveiled: The Ultimate College Sports Heroes You’ve Never Heard Of – Get to Know Allstate and NACDA’s Good Works Team Nominees!

Celebrating Excellence: Allstate and NACDA Honor Student-Athletes

In a heartwarming celebration of student-athletes who excel in academics, sports, and community impact, Allstate and the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) proudly acknowledge the outstanding achievements of 193 nominees. These young individuals, nominated by dedicated athletics administrators, conference office staff, and coaches, embody leadership, service, and character, making them ideal candidates for the inaugural Allstate NACDA Good Works Team (Winter).

Nominees Overview:

The 2024-25 Winter Good Works Team comprises 193 nominees, including 115 women and 78 men, across 17 different sports like basketball, swimming and diving, gymnastics, ice hockey, and more. 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
Taylor Heie – Umpqua Community College, Women’s Indoor Track & Field
Kalynn Irey – Stephens College, Women’s Basketball
Sion James – Duke University, Men’s Basketball
Emmanuela Katou-Kouami – University of the District of Columbia, Women’s Indoor Track & Field
Colby Kern – Saint John’s University (Minn.), Men’s Swimming & Diving
…and many more inspiring student-athletes.

Nomination Process and Criteria:

Nominations can be submitted for up to one female and one male student-athlete from each winter sport at an institution. To be eligible, schools and athletics programs must represent one of five intercollegiate athletics divisions: NCAA Division I, II, III, NAIA, and Junior/Community Colleges. Nominees must have completed at least one year (two semesters) of college coursework at a two-year or four-year institution.

The Selection Committee:

A distinguished Selection Committee, including Holly Rowe, Sam Acho, and various esteemed members, will carefully select 20 nominees – 10 female and 10 male student-athletes – to join the prestigious 2024-25 Allstate NACDA Good Works Team (Winter).

Legacy of Good Works:

Building on the legacy of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®, the Allstate NACDA Good Works Team celebrates the exemplary service and leadership of student-athletes across different sports and divisions. This initiative aims to honor 60 more student-athletes annually, representing the fall, winter, and spring collegiate athletics seasons.

Closing Thought:

The positive impact of spotlighting and supporting student-athletes who go above and beyond on and off the field cannot be underestimated. These individuals serve as inspirations to their peers and communities, embodying the values of dedication, service, and leadership that are essential for personal growth and societal impact.

In conclusion, the collaboration between Allstate and NACDA serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of sportsmanship, teamwork, and community involvement that lies at the heart of collegiate athletics. Through these initiatives, we shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes who truly make a difference both on and off the field.