#United States #Allstate #NACDA #Aidan Crawford #Northbrook, IL

Allstate and NACDA Launch Inaugural Good Works Team

In a groundbreaking initiative, Allstate, in partnership with the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), has proudly unveiled the inaugural Allstate NACDA Good Works Team for the fall of 2025. This initiative is set to spotlight the exceptional efforts of 20 dedicated student-athletes who have gone beyond mere competition to make significant contributions in their communities through leadership and service.

Among the highlighted athletes, Aidan Crawford, a goalkeeper from Loyola University Chicago, has been named the team captain. His impressive achievements extend beyond the soccer field. Crawford founded the Special Olympics Loyola University Chicago, fostering an environment that promotes inclusion and sporting opportunities for athletes facing intellectual and physical challenges. Under his leadership, the organization has developed numerous on-campus programs, collaborated with Misericordia—a local facility supporting adults with disabilities—and gained national acclaim, including a prestigious ranking from Special Olympics North America and ESPN.

In addition to his commitment to championing access to sports, Crawford is also an accomplished academic, majoring in molecular and cellular neuroscience. His research endeavors, currently awaiting publication, focus on advancing disability sport policy and programming, depicting his commitment to creating an inclusive sporting environment. On the field, his prowess has led him to win honors such as Atlantic 10 Goalkeeper of the Year and First Team All-Atlantic 10 in 2023.

In Crawford's words, “I'm deeply honored to be captain of this team. For me, sports have always been about connection, belonging, and giving back. Leading this group is an opportunity to celebrate the impact my teammates and I make in communities that far outweigh any game.”

The Allstate NACDA Good Works Team encompasses a diverse range of student-athletes from NCAA Divisions I, II, and III, along with junior and community colleges, representing various sports disciplines including soccer, volleyball, cross country, among others. The honorees were recognized for their advocacy in essential causes such as pediatric cancer research, disability inclusion, food security, and educational accessibility.

Highlighted answers from this fall's team include:

• - Nevaeh Bray, University of Portland, Women's Volleyball: An MBA student and key member of the Black Student-Athlete Group, engaged in initiatives like the Big Yard Mentor Program and Black History Month celebrations.
• - Katie Corrigan, Walsh University, Women's Soccer: A committed advocate who raised nearly $60,000 for Camp Kesem, which supports children affected by cancer.
• - Eli DiCerbo, Wayne State University, Men's Cross Country: He has devoted over 135 hours to community service across multiple initiatives while maintaining a perfect GPA.
• - Ben Liscum, Penn State University, Men's Soccer: He spearheaded fundraising efforts resulting in $80,000 for THON, an organization dedicated to aiding families dealing with childhood cancer.
• - Will Ryan, University of Iowa, Men's Cross Country: A pediatric cancer survivor, he actively volunteers and advocates for children receiving treatment at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital.
• - Lexi Wright, UCLA, Women's Soccer: Actively participating in weekly sports activities for children with disabilities, Wright embodies the ideals of inclusion and community service.

Holly Rowe, an ESPN reporter, remarked, “This team represents the best of what student-athletes can achieve beyond their sport. These student-athletes are transforming their communities through genuine service and leadership, spotlighting college athletics at its most powerful and purposeful form.”

Elizabeth Brady, Chief Marketing Officer at Allstate, expressed her admiration for the team, stating, “This inaugural year of the Allstate NACDA Good Works Team revealed a generation of purpose-driven leaders who are committed to uplifting others. We celebrate their stories of service and impact in communities.”

Pat Manak, NACDA's CEO, emphasized the diversity and collective brilliance of the Allstate NACDA Good Works Team, highlighting the critical importance of recognizing student-athletes who are making notable differences outside their sports careers.

The full roster of recipients, along with comprehensive accounts of each student-athlete's impactful journey, is accessible on the official Allstate NACDA Good Works Team website.

This initiative builds on the long-standing tradition of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®, which has acknowledged college football players since 1992. With this broadened perspective, the Allstate NACDA Good Works Team aims to highlight the transformative influence of student-athletes in their local communities.

For further details on NACDA, now in its 61st year, it serves as the primary professional organization for over 24,000 college athletics administrators across more than 2,300 institutions in North America. For more information, visit NACDA's official site.