The Allstate NACDA Good Works Team is made up of 60 student-athletes (20 per season) across all sanctioned men’s and women’s college sports and divisions who go above and beyond in volunteerism and civic engagement, complementing their achievements in academics and sports. Click on each team member’s image below to learn more about them and the inspirational work that they do. CONGRATULATIONS SOPHIA GROTH! CAPTAIN OF THE 2024-25 ALLSTATE NACDA GOOD WORKS WINTER TEAM
2024-25 Allstate NACDA Good Works Winter Team
Zack Britton Paige Bueckers Torie Buerger Lily Codd Ben Gregg University of Findlay UConn University of Kentucky Williams College Gonzaga University Indoor Track & Field  |  Senior  Basketball  |  Senior Swimming & Diving  |  Graduate Swimming & Diving  |  Junior Basketball  |  Senior Sophia Groth Sion James Emmanuela Katou Kouami Rachel Katz Colby Kern Auburn University Duke University University of the District of Columbia George Washington University Saint John's University (Minn.) Gymnastics  |  Senior Basketball  |  Graduate Indoor Track & Field  |  Junior Gymnastics  |  Senior Swimming & Diving  |  Senior Dylan Lugris Alex McCray John Paul Morgan Evan Nelson Ellie Pollock-Ballard Penn State University Florida State College at Jacksonville Lyon College Harvard University Oberlin College Hockey  |  Senior Basketball  |  Sophomore Basketball  |  Senior Basketball  |  Senior Basketball  |  Junior Annette Ramirez Wade Taylor IV Shea Tripp Audrey Wethington Drew Wyman Westminster College Texas A&M University Wayne State University University of Minnesota College of Idaho Basketball  |  Senior Basketball  |  Graduate Basketball  |  Senior Hockey  |  Graduate Basketball  |  Senior
Zack Britton University of Findlay  |  Indoor Track & Field  |  Senior	BACK TO TOP
Zack is a standout student-athlete and leader, known for his mentorship and positive impact at Findlay. He placed 3rd in the 5000M at G-MAC Indoor Track and Field Championships and qualified for the 2024 Cross Country NCAA Championships. Beyond athletics, Zack is dedicated to service, with mission trips to Indianapolis and Nicaragua, driven by his faith and passion for helping others. An Academic All-GMAC honoree, Zack’s commitment to both community and athletics fuels his continued success.
Paige Bueckers UConn  |  Basketball  |  Senior	BACK TO TOP
Paige is a force on and off the court. Named the 2024 Big East Player of the Year and Scholar-Athlete of the Year, she pairs athletics excellence with a deep commitment to giving back. Beyond the game, she empowers young athletes—coaching for the Mamba and Mambacita Foundation and supporting Special Olympics and Team Impact. She’s also tackling food insecurity by funding free grocery stores in Connecticut and Minneapolis and expanding youth sports access through Good Sports and Gatorade. From hospital visits to mentorship, Paige’s impact reaches far beyond basketball, changing lives with every move she makes.
Torie Buerger University of Kentucky  |  Swimming & Diving  |  Graduate	BACK TO TOP
Torie is a dedicated mentor and volunteer, contributing more than 200 hours of service at Kentucky. She’s mentored children of incarcerated parents through Amachi, while also volunteering with God's Pantry, The Ronald McDonald House and Samaritan's Purse. Torie has supported local schools, hurricane relief efforts and Central Kentucky Riding for Hope. A four-time SEC Academic Honor Roll honoree and U.S. Olympic Trials qualifier, she exemplifies excellence in academics and athletics.
Lily Codd Williams College  |  Swimming & Diving  |  Junior	BACK TO TOP
Lily is a dedicated community leader, serving as a Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Executive Board member and chairing the Special Olympics and Community Engagement subcommittees. She organized programs for local Special Olympics in basketball and swimming, creating a curriculum for swimmers and helped raise over $1,500 for Special Olympics of Massachusetts through the annual Turkey Trot 5K. A standout student-athlete, Lily earned NCAA Runner-Up honors in the Mile, NESCAC titles in the Mile and 1000 Free and multiple NCAA All-American accolades, while also being a two-time CSCAA Scholar All-American.
Ben Gregg Gonzaga University  |  Basketball  |  Senior	BACK TO TOP
An active volunteer in his community, Ben has raised more than $100,000 for Giving Back Spokane to provide food, clothing and housing for those in need. He partners with Family Promise of Spokane to furnish homes for struggling families, works with the Mullen Polk Foundation to take foster children shopping for school supplies and clothing and regularly visits the Salvation Army to assist with fundraising and community events. Additionally, Ben hosts free basketball camps for kids in his hometown, ensuring access to sports for underserved youth. On the court, he is a top rebounder in the West Coast Conference, ranks second in 2-point field goal percentage and was named to the Gonzaga Dean's List.
Sophia Groth Auburn University  |  Gymnastics  |  Senior	BACK TO TOP
Captain of the Allstate NACDA Good Works Team (Winter), Sophia leads with passion, purpose and a heart for service. As President of Auburn's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), she champions community outreach, supports fellow student-athletes and represents Auburn Athletics on a larger stage. A dedicated advocate for student parents completing their degrees through Baby Steps, she also spearheaded The Big House Toy Drive, bringing joy to children in need. From fighting food insecurity to inspiring young athletes through faith and mentorship, Sophia’s impact goes far beyond the gym—proving that true leadership starts with giving back.
Sion James Duke University  |  Basketball  |  Graduate	BACK TO TOP
Sion leads with purpose, using his platform to uplift others. As founder of the Sion James Foundation, which he started while at Tulane and continues at Duke, he is breaking barriers to social advancement through mentorship, education and philanthropy. His One-4-All Toy Drive has delivered 1,800 toys to children, while his partnership with Samaritan's Feet provides 4,000 underserved individuals with new shoes. He also serves as co-CEO at Ryan’s Giving Tree, helping to tackle housing and food insecurity in Durham and New Orleans. A two-time AAC Sportsmanship Award Winner, his commitment to giving back – and his commitment to his team – have been a centerpiece of his record-breaking collegiate career.
Emmanuela Katou Kouami University of the District of Columbia  |  Indoor Track & Field  |  Junior	BACK TO TOP
Emmanuela is a standout leader and community advocate. As President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), she has organized events like SAAC Week, Make-A-Wish fundraisers and mental health awareness initiatives. She represents the East Coast Conference at the NCAA Leadership Conference and has driven voter participation efforts. A dedicated volunteer, Emmanuela mentors at Ida Wells Middle School, supports gameday operations and coordinates team efforts at the District Rock N Roll Marathon. She also works with Community Bridges to Success Inc. on NYPD symposiums and neighborhood cleanups. Athletically, Emmanuela holds USTFCCCA All-Region honors and broke the ECC Championship record in the hammer throw.
Rachel Katz George Washington University  |  Gymnastics  |  Senior	BACK TO TOP
Rachel is passionate about giving back, both locally and nationally. As a Pediatric Therapy Student Volunteer at Crossway Pediatric Therapy, she helped hemiplegic and neurodivergent children with motor activities and therapy. She has led volunteer efforts for St. Jude Walk, the Alzheimer's Walk and the Susan G. Komen Walk and organized GW's campus-wide bone marrow registry drive. As the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee’s Mental Health and Advocacy Chair, she has also participated in service trips to repair homes and churches in underserved communities. A seven-time University Academic Dean's List honoree, Rachel has earned multiple All-EAGL and academic honors.
Colby Kern Saint John's University (Minn.)  |  Swimming & Diving  |  Senior	BACK TO TOP
Colby is a dynamic leader excelling in academics, athletics and community service. As the 2024-25 Student-Athlete Advisory Committee President, he spearheaded a Special Olympics regional swim meet and led efforts to raise nearly $20,000 for a meal-packing event, mobilizing 300 student-athletes to pack 90,000 meals. A mathematics major with a 3.57 GPA, Colby is a two-time Academic All-MIAC honoree, 11-time All-MIAC performer and contributes to two school record-setting relays.
Dylan Lugris Penn State University  |  Hockey  |  Senior	BACK TO TOP
Dylan, the 2024 Hockey Humanitarian Award winner, revolutionized sled hockey at Penn State by founding the Penn State Sled Hockey Classic, raising nearly $50,000 to expand the State College Coyotes’ program. Thanks to his efforts, the Coyotes' roster has more than doubled and they now compete regularly in the Northeast Sled Hockey League. Dylan also volunteers with youth hockey clinics, promoting accessibility and inclusivity in adaptive sports. His impactful work has earned him two Academic All-Big Ten honors.
Alex McCray Florida State College at Jacksonville  |  Basketball  |  Sophomore	BACK TO TOP
Alex excels both academically and in the community. A two-time President's List honoree and Dean's List student, he is deeply committed to academic excellence. Beyond the books, Alex mentors underprivileged students through Goodwill/Take Stock in Children Initiative and leads holiday donation efforts with the Salvation Army. He also volunteers at Chappell Schools and the Jacksonville Humane Society. Through his leadership, service and academic success, Alex embodies the true spirit of a student-athlete.
John Paul Morgan Lyon College  |  Basketball  |  Senior	BACK TO TOP
John Paul is a dedicated student-athlete, excelling in both sports and community service. He volunteers with youth sports leagues, church outreach programs and environmental initiatives. A standout in basketball and track and field, John Paul has earned NAIA Scholar Athlete and CSC Academic All-District honors, maintains a 3.7 GPA and holds multiple school records in track while ranking among the top rebounders in basketball.
Evan Nelson Harvard University  |  Basketball  |  Senior	BACK TO TOP
Evan is a dedicated advocate for education and civic engagement, founding Next Ones Up, a nonprofit providing mentorship and leadership development to underserved students in Tucson. Through The Team's Engaged Athlete Fellowship, he designed a year-long civic engagement project connecting athletics with community service. Evan also mentors youth in Harvard's outreach programs with the Boys & Girls Club of Boston. A two-time team captain, he received the Charles Ogletree J.D. '78 Humanitarian Award and was named to the NABC Honors Court for his academic excellence.
Ellie Pollock-Ballard Oberlin College  |  Basketball  |  Junior	BACK TO TOP
Ellie is a driving force in community initiatives in Ohio. She volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House, preparing rooms and assisting families and supports the Mid-Ohio Food Bank and Pantry and Oberlin Community Services by sorting and distributing food. Ellie also hosts free basketball clinics for girls and raises funds for cancer research through Pelotonia. A recipient of several athletics and academic honors, she’s been named to the 2023 Jim Meagle All-Tournament Team, 2024 Academic All-District (College Sports Communicators) and the 2023-24 NCAC Academic Honor Roll.
Annette Ramirez Westminster College  |  Basketball  |  Senior	BACK TO TOP
Annette is a standout leader on and off the court. As President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and Education Association, she’s led campus initiatives like beautification projects and food drives. She mentors students through the Oasis Pen Pal Program, Educators Rising and Junior Achievement, while volunteering at the Fulton Food Bank and local high school events. A passionate advocate for cancer research, Annette supports fundraising efforts for Coaches vs. Cancer and the Super Sam Foundation. A two-time SLIAC Player of the Year and 1,000-point scorer, she’s earned Dean's List honors every semester.
Wade Taylor IV Texas A&M University  |  Basketball  |  Graduate	BACK TO TOP
Wade is dedicated to empowering youth through his 4 Wade Taylor Foundation, which offers programs in mental health, leadership and financial literacy. He organized a backpack giveaway for 120 kids at the Boys & Girls Club and led a winter clothing and blanket drive, donating 480 items to Twin City Mission. As Chief Business Officer of B.L.U.E.print (Black Leaders Who Undertake Excellence), he creates leadership opportunities for student-athletes and supported Buzz's Bunch for children with special needs. On the court, Wade is a two-time All-SEC First Team selection, holds six school records and was named Texas A&M Male Athlete of the Year.
Shea Tripp Wayne State University  |  Basketball  |  Senior	BACK TO TOP
Shea is a dedicated mentor and volunteer, having supported children with autism through the PLANE program and contributed to national efforts like the 9/11 Meal Pack event. With four summers spent at Bay Shore Summer Camp, she is passionate about youth mentorship and charitable work. On the court, Shea was named to the All-GLIAC First Team in 2023-24, surpassing 1,099 career points. A standout student with a 3.96 GPA, she has earned multiple academic honors, including GLIAC All-Academic Excellence Team and Academic All-District recognition.
Audrey Wethington University of Minnesota  |  Hockey  |  Graduate	BACK TO TOP
A 2025 Hockey Humanitarian Award nominee and WCHA Outstanding Student-Athlete finalist, Audrey is a powerhouse on and off the ice. From dedicating over 1,000 hours to groundbreaking heart research at the Visible Heart Laboratories to brightening patients’ days at Masonic Children's Hospital, her community impact is undeniable. A passionate leader, she’s mentored aspiring healthcare professionals, driven mental advocacy and helped register over 3,000 potential stem cell donors, showing true greatness that extends far beyond the game.
Drew Wyman College of Idaho  |  Basketball |  Senior	BACK TO TOP
Drew’s passion shines through his work with the Legacy Program, Special Olympics and the Jae Foundation, where he advocates for youth mentorship and mental health awareness. A Gipson Honors Program Scholar with a perfect 4.0 GPA, Drew is a two-time Academic All-American and CCC Scholar-Athlete of the Year. On the court, he is a three-time First Team All-Conference honoree, NAIA National Champion and a two-time All-American, surpassing 1,000 career points. As Treasurer of the Association of Student-Athletes and Chief of Staff for student government, Drew leads with purpose and dedication.