At a time when athletic excellence often commands the spotlight, it’s the acts of character, service, and leadership that truly define what it means to be a Georgia Bulldog. This week, that spirit was exemplified in full as Georgia Football’s Chaz Chambliss and Georgia Women’s Tennis standout Guillermina Grant were named recipients of the prestigious Brad Davis SEC Community Service Award. Their efforts, which extend far beyond the fields and courts of competition, underscore the University of Georgia’s commitment to building leaders who make an impact both on campus and in communities around the world.
For Chambliss and Grant, the honor reflects more than just a moment of recognition—it’s a celebration of who they are at their core: compassionate, dedicated, and unwavering in their pursuit to serve others. The Brad Davis SEC Community Service Award, named after the former Associate Commissioner of the Southeastern Conference, is one of the most meaningful accolades bestowed by the league. It is designed to honor student-athletes who demonstrate extraordinary service and leadership through volunteering and civic engagement. With only one male and one female honoree selected from each SEC member institution, the distinction is a rare and remarkable achievement.
Chambliss, a hard-nosed linebacker known for his toughness on the field, has long been a leader in the locker room. But it’s what he does outside of Sanford Stadium that has turned heads in Athens and beyond. Whether volunteering with Extra Special People, a nonprofit organization that serves individuals with disabilities and their families, or spending time mentoring local youth through Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Chambliss has continually put service before self.
A Carrollton, Georgia native, Chambliss grew up valuing the role of community and faith. As he developed into one of the SEC’s most reliable defenders, his commitment to giving back grew right alongside his athletic career. Teammates often speak of his humility, his tireless work ethic, and the way he always puts others first. Chambliss has become a fixture in many campus-led service projects and even spearheaded a drive last fall that collected hundreds of items for Athens-area shelters. Whether he’s leading a children’s football camp or delivering meals to families in need, Chambliss exudes the same intensity and dedication he brings to the gridiron.
“Football is important to me,” Chambliss said recently, “but I’ve always believed that God gave me this platform for a reason—to be a light, to make a difference where I can. Being part of the Georgia family means you’re part of something bigger than yourself. That’s what motivates me.”
On the other side of Georgia Athletics, Guillermina Grant has quietly built a legacy of service that mirrors her success as a competitor. A senior leader on the Georgia Women’s Tennis team, Grant has been a model of consistency and class, both on and off the court. Hailing from Montevideo, Uruguay, she has not only represented her country at international tournaments but also embraced the Bulldog community as her own.
Grant’s impact stretches far beyond the lines of the tennis court. She has been deeply involved with Clarke County schools, working with reading programs and tutoring initiatives for elementary students. She regularly visits with young girls in underserved areas, using tennis as a vehicle for empowerment, confidence, and inspiration. A fluent Spanish speaker, she has also assisted with translation efforts and literacy support for Spanish-speaking families in the Athens area.
“She’s the heartbeat of our program,” said Georgia Women’s Tennis Head Coach Jeff Wallace. “What Guillermina brings to the community is just as powerful as what she brings in competition. She has a servant’s heart, and it shows in every interaction she has.”
Grant is also a frequent participant in campus mental health initiatives and has been a vocal advocate for international student inclusion and wellness. She’s helped create dialogue between athletes from around the world, ensuring a more supportive and culturally aware environment at Georgia. Her efforts have been described as “transformative” by university staff, and her peers often lean on her as a role model and mentor.
For Grant, the opportunity to give back has been deeply personal.
“I’ve been blessed with so many opportunities in my life, and I’ve always felt a responsibility to share those blessings with others,” she said. “Being a student-athlete at Georgia is not just about competing—it’s about leading, growing, and leaving the world a little better than you found it.”
Together, Chambliss and Grant paint a portrait of what true leadership looks like. Their achievements transcend trophies, stats, and rankings. They are the embodiment of the SEC’s commitment to academic and civic excellence—athletes who understand that real greatness isn’t only measured in wins and losses, but in lives touched and communities strengthened.
Their selection as Brad Davis Award recipients also highlights the broader culture within Georgia Athletics, where service is woven into the fabric of the student-athlete experience. Under the guidance of Georgia’s Student-Athlete Development office and the “Dawgs for Paws” outreach program, athletes are encouraged to take active roles in causes they care about, from food insecurity and education to environmental sustainability and healthcare access. The support structure in place at Georgia makes it possible for athletes like Chambliss and Grant to not just dream big but act boldly.
The Brad Davis SEC Community Service Award also comes with a scholarship, which both student-athletes can apply toward their continued education or future endeavors. For Chambliss, who plans to pursue a career in coaching or youth mentorship, the award reinforces his long-term mission to shape the next generation of leaders. For Grant, whose post-tennis ambitions include working in education and international service, it’s another building block in a life dedicated to purpose.
As they stood before their peers and coaches during the award announcement, both Chambliss and Grant were quick to deflect praise. “This isn’t about me,” Chambliss said. “It’s about all the people who have helped me get to this point, and the people we’re trying to serve.” Grant echoed that sentiment, adding, “Every act of service is part of a larger movement. I’m honored to be part of that movement.”
Their humility is genuine—and deeply telling. In a time when recognition often favors individual achievement, both honorees have insisted on putting the team, the community, and the cause first. And that’s precisely why they’ve earned this distinction.
The University of Georgia, already a powerhouse in the world of college athletics, continues to cultivate student-athletes who lead with integrity, compassion, and a sense of purpose. The stories of Chaz Chambliss and Guillermina Grant serve as powerful reminders that being a Bulldog means striving for more than just athletic success. It means being a leader, a servant, and an agent for good.
Their journeys are far from over, but this moment marks a defining chapter—one that will resonate across the SEC and throughout the Bulldog Nation. As the applause fades and the award plaques find their place, the work continues. And that’s exactly the way Chambliss and Grant would want it.
Because for them, leadership doesn’t stop when the cameras are off or the season ends. For them, leadership is a lifelong calling—one that begins with service, thrives on compassion, and ends only when every voice is heard, every hand is lifted, and every heart has been touched.