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Augusta University Athletics Achieves Top Ranking in Service Challenge

Augusta University student-athletes dedicated to community service.

News Summary

Augusta University Athletics has notably secured a top 20 finish in the NCAA Division II Helper Helper Service Challenge, marking the third consecutive year in the top rankings. Student-athletes contributed over 2,000 hours of community service, supporting 21 organizations and engaging in numerous volunteer commitments. The athletics department recorded a participation rate of 77%, with the softball team standing out as one of the top performers nationally. This accomplishment showcases the university’s commitment to meaningful community engagement and service.

Augusta, GA – Augusta University Athletics has achieved a significant milestone by securing a top 20 finish in the NCAA Division II Helper Helper Service Challenge for the 2024–25 academic year. This achievement marks the third consecutive year that Augusta has ranked among the top 20 in the final standings, showcasing the university’s commitment to community service and engagement.

Throughout the competition, student-athletes at Augusta University contributed a remarkable total of 2,068 validated hours of community service since August 1, 2024. This extensive involvement reflects the dedication of Jaguar student-athletes, who supported 21 local organizations and participated in over 900 volunteer commitments across various initiatives.

The overall participation rate in community service within the athletics department stood at 77 percent, with 238 out of 310 student-athletes engaging in meaningful volunteer work through 64 opportunities. Notably, Augusta’s softball program excelled in community service, ranking in the top 5 nationally among all Division II softball teams.

Top Contributing Teams

The contributions of Augusta’s athletic teams varied, with the top five teams logging the most service hours as follows:

Softball: 612 hours
Baseball: 249 hours
Volleyball: 242 hours
Women’s Basketball: 219 hours
Men’s Basketball: 185 hours

These figures highlight the collective effort of the student-athletes in giving back to the community. The dedication to service is a core priority for the athletics program, as emphasized by the Director of Athletics, Ryan Erlacher, who reinforced the importance of community engagement.

Community Partnerships and Events

Augusta University Athletics collaborated with several noteworthy local organizations to maximize their impact, including:

CSRA Buddy Walk
Tunnel to Towers
Habitat for Humanity
AU Volunteer Services
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
The Georgia Cancer Center
Richmond and Columbia County School Systems

Among the initiatives organized by the Augusta University Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) was the SAAC Easter Egg Hunt, which took place on April 16, 2025. This community-focused event aims to enhance engagement between student-athletes and the local community. Additionally, SAAC is actively collecting donations for the Make-A-Wish Foundation during various events to further support charitable causes.

National Standings

In the broader context, Division II student-athletes collectively logged 199,537 total service hours across 4,334 opportunities during the 2024–25 NCAA Helper Helper Service Challenge. Additionally, nearly 54,000 student-athletes across all divisions (I, II, and III) contributed over 610,000 total service hours throughout the competition, highlighting the widespread commitment to community service within collegiate athletics.

Looking Ahead

The Jaguar Team Service Award is presented annually to the team within Augusta University Athletics that completes the most community service throughout the year. This initiative encourages friendly competition among teams, fostering a spirit of giving back.

In previous years, Augusta University has organized events that promote community interaction, including collaborations with local elementary schools, where students have engaged in collegiate sports experiences. These initiatives reinforce the institution’s commitment to being an integral part of the community.

This consistent dedication to community service not only enhances the university’s reputation but also enriches the lives of student-athletes, providing them with opportunities to make a positive impact in their local area.