Crimson Tide Track and Field Standouts Honored for Leadership Off the Track with Selection to SEC Community Service Team
At the University of Alabama, athletic excellence is a longstanding tradition, but just as important as performance on the field is the character and leadership shown off of it. This principle came into sharp focus once again on June 6, 2025, as two Alabama track and field athletes were recognized for their exceptional dedication to serving others. Named to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Community Service Team, these student-athletes exemplify the heart of the Crimson Tide: committed, compassionate, and determined to leave a lasting impact not just through competition, but through contribution.
The SEC Community Service Team is an annual initiative that celebrates student-athletes from across the conference who go above and beyond in their commitment to volunteerism, leadership, and social responsibility. Each school in the SEC selects two athletes who have distinguished themselves through meaningful service work. While these honorees often excel in their sport, the award places its emphasis on actions that take place far away from the spotlight—efforts that often go unnoticed but are no less important. For the University of Alabama, the selection of two of its standout track and field athletes to this year’s team is a testament to the culture of giving and community leadership fostered within its athletics program.
This year’s honorees have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to making a difference, not for recognition or accolades, but out of a genuine desire to uplift those around them. Their work spans a wide range of causes and initiatives, each rooted in compassion and fueled by a relentless drive to serve. One of the recipients, a senior sprinter, has spent the last several years not only blazing down the track at meet after meet, but also dedicating her time and energy to empowering the next generation. From organizing school supply drives for underserved schools in the Tuscaloosa area to leading mentoring programs through the Crimson CHAMPS initiative, she has made service a central part of her student-athlete journey. Her impact is tangible—not just in the number of volunteer hours she’s logged, which exceed 150 in the past year alone—but in the lives she’s touched, the students she’s inspired, and the example she’s set for her teammates and community.
Her initiatives go beyond simply showing up. She has taken an active role in planning and executing programs designed to create long-term positive outcomes. One such effort is “Track Stars for Tomorrow,” an outreach program she helped create to introduce local elementary school students to the fundamentals of track and field. But it’s more than just athletics. The program also focuses on teaching healthy habits, building confidence, and fostering teamwork. Each session is an opportunity for her to connect with young students and remind them that their dreams are valid and achievable, regardless of their background or current circumstances. This sense of purpose and responsibility defines her character and illustrates why she was a natural choice for this year’s SEC Community Service Team.
Her fellow honoree, a junior distance runner, has also distinguished himself as a beacon of leadership and selflessness. Known for his consistency and grit on the track, he has shown the same level of commitment to his work in the community. His primary focus has been food insecurity, a cause he became passionate about after learning about the high percentage of families in West Alabama who struggle to access adequate nutrition. Partnering with the West Alabama Food Bank, he has helped coordinate food drives and pack and distribute boxes for families in need. Week after week, he volunteers time that could easily be spent training or resting, choosing instead to invest it in making sure his neighbors are fed and cared for.
He’s also worked extensively with Habitat for Humanity, where he’s spent countless hours helping build homes for families who need a fresh start. Whether he’s hammering nails under the summer sun or lifting lumber alongside volunteers from all walks of life, he brings the same focus and determination that he shows in competition. His impact extends into Alabama Athletics as well, where he serves on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council. There, he uses his voice to advocate for greater representation, improved campus culture, and open dialogue around issues that matter. His presence on that council has helped bring forth meaningful initiatives that foster a more welcoming and inclusive environment not only within the track and field team, but across the entire department.
These two student-athletes represent what is best about college athletics—not simply because they are fast, strong, or competitive, but because they understand that with their platform comes responsibility. They see their status as student-athletes not just as a personal achievement, but as an opportunity to lead by example and give back. In doing so, they have created a ripple effect that stretches beyond the University of Alabama campus and into the broader Tuscaloosa community and beyond.
Athletics Director Greg Byrne expressed pride in the duo, highlighting the significance of their off-the-track accomplishments. “At Alabama, we talk a lot about building champions in life. That means developing young men and women who are not only excellent athletes but also exceptional people. These two student-athletes have taken that to heart. Their service work is deeply meaningful and reflects a true commitment to making a difference. They’ve inspired us all with their humility, work ethic, and compassion.”
Track and field head coach Dan Waters also praised the honorees, emphasizing that their leadership off the track has elevated the entire program. “We are incredibly proud of them. They understand that success isn’t just measured in medals or personal bests, but in the way you treat others and the difference you make. They’ve set a high standard for what it means to be part of this team, and they’ve helped create a culture of service that resonates through every level of our program.”
Their teammates, coaches, professors, and peers all speak of them with admiration—not simply for what they’ve achieved, but for who they are. They are the first to volunteer, the last to seek credit, and the kind of individuals who make everyone around them better. Their stories are reminders that leadership doesn’t always require a podium or a spotlight. Sometimes, it’s found in small, quiet acts of kindness. Sometimes, it’s showing up week after week for those in need. Sometimes, it’s simply listening, encouraging, and being present for someone who feels unseen.
The honor of being named to the SEC Community Service Team isn’t just a feather in their caps. It’s a reflection of sustained excellence, consistent effort, and a deep-seated desire to serve. These two Alabama track and field athletes have already accomplished so much, yet it’s clear that their best and most important work may still lie ahead. Whether they continue their athletic careers or pursue other passions, there’s no doubt they will continue to lead with integrity, purpose, and compassion.
As the track and field season heads toward its conclusion, and as summer gives way to new beginnings for some and renewed goals for others, the impact of these two student-athletes continues to reverberate. Their stories challenge others to consider how they can use their talents and time to benefit the world around them. In a time when college sports often focuses on stats, standings, and star power, it is refreshing and inspiring to see the spotlight placed on values like service, selflessness, and heart.
Being a part of the Crimson Tide means more than competing at a high level—it means living up to a legacy of excellence, honor, and community. These two honorees have done just that. They are not only champions in their sport, but champions of kindness, leadership, and humanity. Their recognition as members of the 2025 SEC Community Service Team serves as a reminder that the most lasting victories are often those earned off the field, in the lives we touch and the communities we strengthen. And in that arena, Alabama’s track and field representatives have truly led the way.
Roll Tide.
