Allstate and NACDA Recognize 193 Student-Athletes for Academic, Athletic, and Community Achievements
Northbrook, Ill., February 20, 2025 – Allstate and the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) are proud to honor 193 exceptional student-athletes who have demonstrated excellence in academics, sports, and community involvement. Nominated by athletics administrators, conference office staff, and coaches, these individuals exemplify leadership, service, and character. They will now be considered for selection to the inaugural Allstate NACDA Good Works Team (Winter).
“These student-athletes are not only competitors but also leaders, change agents, and role models,” said Holly Rowe, ESPN reporter and play-by-play commentator, and Allstate NACDA Ambassador. “Their impact stretches far beyond their sports, shaping communities and teaching the importance of leadership qualities like empathy, resilience, and integrity—traits that will last a lifetime.”
Nominee Highlights
The 2024-25 Allstate NACDA Good Works Team (Winter) celebrates 193 nominees, consisting of 115 women and 78 men across 17 sports, such as 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
- Sophia Kyrkostas – SUNY Oswego, Women’s Hockey
- Ishmael Leggett – University of Pittsburgh, Men’s Basketball
- Jahmai Mashack – University of Tennessee, Men’s Basketball
- Jojo Randby – University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Women’s Swimming & Diving
- Kiani Saxon – Missouri Western State 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 is available here.
Nomination Process and Eligibility
Nominations are open for one female and one male student-athlete per winter sport from each institution. Eligible colleges and athletic programs must represent one of five divisions in intercollegiate athletics: NCAA Division I, II, III, NAIA, or Junior/Community Colleges. Nominees must have completed at least one academic year (two semesters) at a two- or four-year college or university.
Selection of the Final Team
A distinguished Selection Committee will choose 20 student-athletes – 10 female and 10 male – to be part of the 2024-25 Allstate NACDA Good Works Team (Winter). The committee includes:
- Holly Rowe, ESPN analyst and Allstate NACDA Ambassador
- Sam Acho, ESPN analyst and former NFL linebacker
- Elizabeth Brady, Chief Marketing, Customer, and Communications Officer, Allstate
- Ross Bjork, Senior Vice President and Director of Athletics, The Ohio State University; NACDA President
- Dan Guerrero, Retired Director of Athletics, UCLA; NACDA Past President
- Brian Henderson, Athletics Director, Patrick & Henry Community College; NACDA Executive Committee
- Reagan Rossi, Vice President of Athletics, College of Idaho; NACDA Executive Committee
- Etienne Thomas, Director of Athletics, Winston-Salem State University; NACDA Executive Committee
- Natalie Winkelfoos, Associate Vice President for Athletics Advancement, Oberlin College; NACDA Executive Committee
A Legacy of College Sports
Announced in December, the Allstate NACDA Good Works Team continues the legacy of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®, which has been honoring college football players’ community service since 1992. This new initiative will recognize 60 student-athletes each year, with 20 honorees selected from each season: fall, winter, and spring.
“Athletes in less-publicized sports show the same dedication to service and leadership as those in more high-profile events,” said Elizabeth Brady, Allstate’s Chief Marketing Officer. “The positive response to the first-ever Allstate NACDA Good Works Team demonstrates how meaningful this recognition is. We’re honored to highlight the stories of these inspiring student-athletes.”
About Allstate
Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) provides protection from life’s uncertainties through a wide range of insurance products for autos, homes, electronics, and identity theft. Allstate’s services are available through agents, independent agents, major retailers, online, and at workplaces. The company is well-known for its slogan, “You’re in Good Hands with Allstate.
About NACDA
In its 60th year, NACDA serves over 24,000 college athletics administrators across more than 2,300 institutions in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. NACDA manages 19 professional associations and four foundations. The association hosts multiple events each year, including the largest annual gathering of collegiate athletics administrators at the NACDA & Affiliates Convention.