News Summary
Augusta University Athletics has earned recognition as one of the top NCAA Division II programs for community service for the third consecutive year. Student-athletes contributed over 2,000 service hours through partnerships with local organizations, showcasing a strong commitment to giving back. Notably, the softball team ranked in the top 5 nationally for community service hours. This achievement reflects Augusta’s dedication to community engagement and highlights the importance of teamwork and volunteerism in athletics.
Augusta, Georgia – Augusta University Athletics has once again made its mark in community service, being recognized among the top NCAA Division II programs nationwide. For the third consecutive year, the department placed in the top 20 of the 2024-25 NCAA Helper Helper Service Challenge, a program that ranks athletic departments based on their community service efforts.
Since August 1, 2024, Augusta’s student-athletes accumulated a remarkable 2,068 validated hours of community service. Engaging with 21 local organizations, they participated in over 900 volunteer commitments. The department boasted a participation rate of 77 percent, with 238 out of 310 student-athletes taking part in service activities through 64 different opportunities.
Among the standout performances, the Augusta softball program ranked in the top 5 nationally among all Division II softball teams for community service hours. The rankings revealed that the following departments contributed significantly to Augusta Athletics’ total:
- Softball: 612 hours
- Baseball: 249 hours
- Volleyball: 242 hours
- Women’s Basketball: 219 hours
- Men’s Basketball: 185 hours
The NCAA Helper Helper Service Challenge highlighted the collective efforts of Division II student-athletes, who logged a total of 199,537 service hours through 4,334 opportunities across the nation. Additionally, nearly 54,000 student-athletes contributed over 610,000 hours of service across all NCAA divisions during the 2024-25 academic year.
Augusta’s Director of Athletics noted that community service is integral to the core mission of Augusta Athletics. The department has cultivated partnerships with various local organizations, such as the CSRA Buddy Walk, Tunnel to Towers, Habitat for Humanity, AU Volunteer Services, Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Georgia Cancer Center, as well as the Richmond and Columbia County School Systems.
Impactful Community Engagement
The Jaguar Team Service Award has been introduced to recognize the team that completes the most community service throughout the year, further emphasizing the department’s commitment to giving back. Additionally, the Augusta Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) hosted a community Easter Egg Hunt on April 16, aimed at promoting family engagement while also supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Conclusion
Augusta University Athletics continues to reinforce its position as a leader in community service within the NCAA Division II landscape. With consistent recognition and exemplary service hours logged by student-athletes, Augusta strives to make a positive impact on their community while promoting the values of teamwork, selflessness, and connection in sports.
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Additional Resources
- Augusta Athletics Recognized for Community Service
- Wikipedia: NCAA Division II
- Augusta Athletics: NCAA Award of Excellence Finalist
- Google Search: NCAA Community Service
- Live Stream of William Sherrill Athletic Awards Banquet
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community Service
- Augusta Athletics Awards Banquet
- Google News: Augusta University Athletics
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
