NORTHBROOK, Ill. (August 26, 2025) – Allstate and the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) have announced the first-ever Allstate NACDA Good Works Team (Fall), recognizing 20 student-athletes for their dedication to leadership, service and community impact.
Loyola Chicago soccer player named team captain
Aidan Crawford, a redshirt junior on the men’s soccer team, founded Special Olympics Loyola University Chicago, a student-led organization that regularly partners with Misericordia – a local home for adults with intellectual and physical disabilities.
The group facilitates Special Olympics practices and on-campus programs, earning state and national recognition, including representing Special Olympics Illinois in Chicago’s 2024 Mag Mile Parade and receiving a top 20 national ranking from Special Olympics North America and ESPN.
A molecular and cellular neuroscience major, Crawford’s passion for expanding access to sports also earned him a bioethics research fellowship. His research, currently under review for publication, explores ways to improve disability sport policy and programming.
On the field, Crawford is a decorated goalkeeper, earning Atlantic 10 Goalkeeper of the Year and All-Atlantic 10 First Team honors in 2023.
Aidan Crawford, captain of the Allstate NACDA Good Works Team (Fall):
“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.”
Meet the fall honorees
The fall team includes men and women from NCAA Divisions I, II, and III, junior/community college and the NAIA – representing seven collegiate sports, including soccer, volleyball, cross country, field hockey and water polo. Honorees were selected for supporting causes like pediatric cancer care, disability inclusion, food and housing insecurity and education access. Student service stories include:
- Nevaeh Bray, University of Portland, Women’s Volleyball: An MBA candidate and founding member of the Black Student-Athlete Group (BSA) which organizes initiatives such as the Big Yard Mentor Program, Black History Month Celebration Market and Black Student-Athlete Summit.
- Katie Corrigan, Walsh University, Women’s Soccer: Raised nearly $60,000 for Camp Kesem, which supports children whose parents are affected by cancer. As a former camper herself, she is deeply committed to the organization’s mission.
- Eli DiCerbo, Wayne State University, Men’s Cross Country: Contributed more than 135 community service hours, leading volunteer efforts from local marathons to food drives while maintaining a 4.0 GPA across seven semesters.
- Ben Liscum, Penn State University, Men’s Soccer: Raised $80,000 for THON, a student-led philanthropy organization committed to children and families affected by childhood cancer.
- Will Ryan, University of Iowa, Men’s Cross Country: Regularly volunteers at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital and is devoted to advocacy, fundraising and mentorship.
- Lexi Wright, UCLA, Women’s Soccer: Serves the pediatric cancer community at UCLA hospital while championing disability inclusion by participating in weekly sport activities for kids with disabilities.
Holly Rowe, ESPN reporter, play-by-play commentator:
“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, Allstate chief marketing, customer and communications officer:
“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 chief executive officer:
“The Allstate NACDA Good Works Team (Fall) represents a diverse and talented cross-section of student-athletes from all divisions and regions of the country who are making a difference outside of their sport. We are honored to recognize Aidan as the captain of this outstanding group, rounding out the first full year of this important initiative.”
The full Allstate NACDA Good Works Team (Fall) roster, along with the inspiring stories of each student-athlete, can be found here.
About the Allstate NACDA Good Works Team: The Allstate NACDA Good Works Team was established in 2024 to recognize male and female student-athletes across all collegiate sports and divisions for their leadership in community service, academics and athletics. Building on the legacy of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®, which has honored college football players since 1992, this expanded initiative highlights the impact of student-athletes who go beyond the game to serve others.
About NACDA: Now in its 61st year, NACDA is the professional and educational Association for more than 24,000 college athletics administrators at more than 2,300 institutions throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. NACDA manages 19 professional associations and four foundations. In addition to virtual programming, NACDA hosts and/or has a presence at seven major professional development events in-person annually. The NACDA & Affiliates Convention is the largest gathering of collegiate athletics administrators in the country. For more information, visit www.nacda.com.
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