Celebrating Excellence: Athletes for Hope Names Sierra Ballard Student-Athlete of the Year and LSU Soccer Team of the Year

In a world where sports often take center stage, it’s refreshing—and vital—to recognize those who go beyond the field, using their platform and passion to create meaningful change in their communities. At Athletes for Hope, our mission has always been about more than the game. It’s about harnessing the power of sport to educate, empower, and inspire athletes to serve others. And at the heart of that mission are the individuals and teams who not only rise to the challenge but redefine what it means to be a changemaker.

As we close out another year of purpose-driven progress, we’re thrilled to announce our 2025 Athletes for Hope End-of-Year Award winners:

• Sierra Ballard – Student-Athlete of the Year
• LSU Soccer – Team of the Year

These awards are not simply accolades; they are celebrations of empathy, leadership, and relentless community involvement. They honor student-athletes who have stepped up and stood out—not only through their talent in competition, but through their dedication to making the world a better place.

Let’s take a deeper look into why Sierra Ballard and LSU Soccer are so deserving of this recognition.

Sierra Ballard: Student-Athlete of the Year

When it comes to leading by example, few do it with as much grace, consistency, and humility as Sierra Ballard.

A standout student-athlete at Louisiana State University (LSU), Sierra has demonstrated what it truly means to balance excellence on and off the field. While juggling the demands of college academics and Division I athletics, she has continuously prioritized community engagement. Her commitment to service, leadership within her team, and consistent involvement with Athletes for Hope programs made her an obvious choice for our Student-Athlete of the Year.

But it’s not just the quantity of her efforts—it’s the quality and sincerity behind them that sets Sierra apart.

Leadership in Action

From the moment she joined LSU, Sierra embraced opportunities to serve. Whether participating in local school visits, speaking to children about mental health and confidence, or leading community outreach projects, she consistently made space in her packed schedule to give back. Her teammates and coaches often point to her as someone who not only shows up—but inspires others to do the same.

As an active member of the AFH University program, Sierra has taken on a leadership role in organizing service events for her peers, making sure LSU athletes stay plugged into causes that matter. She has been instrumental in building a culture of service within her athletic department—encouraging fellow student-athletes to step outside their comfort zones and engage in meaningful conversations with youth, local nonprofits, and under-resourced communities.

A Champion of Mental Health

One of Sierra’s most impactful efforts has been her advocacy for mental health awareness. She understands the pressures that come with being a student-athlete, and she’s made it a personal mission to normalize discussions about mental well-being, especially among young people.

Through her participation in Athletes for Hope’s mental health initiatives, Sierra has spoken candidly about the importance of self-care, stress management, and emotional resilience. She has served as both a mentor and a role model to students across Baton Rouge, making an authentic and lasting impression.

Humility and Heart

While her achievements speak volumes, it’s Sierra’s humility that resonates most. She never seeks recognition for her work; instead, she simply believes in the power of kindness and service. Those who know her describe her as compassionate, dedicated, and dependable—a quiet leader who uplifts everyone around her.

This award is not just a celebration of Sierra’s past work, but a recognition of the bright future ahead of her. As she continues her journey both academically and athletically, we know she will carry this spirit of service wherever she goes.

Congratulations, Sierra. Your light is contagious, and your impact will be felt for years to come.

LSU Soccer: Team of the Year

Teamwork doesn’t end when the game is over—and the LSU Soccer team is a perfect example of how a collective can come together to create something far bigger than the sum of its parts.

Named our Team of the Year, LSU Soccer has made community engagement a core part of their identity. Throughout the year, this team has shown up—together—with a unified mission: to serve, to inspire, and to lead by example.

In an era where many athletic programs talk about community service as an obligation, LSU Soccer has redefined it as a privilege.

Consistent Commitment to Community

This past year, LSU Soccer participated in more than a dozen service initiatives through Athletes for Hope, ranging from school visits and youth mentorship to health education and social justice programming. The team’s involvement was not just consistent—it was enthusiastic.

Players regularly visited local elementary and middle schools, offering their time and energy to encourage students to stay active, pursue their dreams, and speak up about issues that matter. These weren’t one-off appearances—they were sustained efforts that built relationships, trust, and tangible impact.

And it wasn’t just a few players participating—it was the whole team. Coaches, staff, and athletes all bought into the idea that giving back is part of the responsibility and privilege of being a collegiate athlete.

Mental Health Advocacy and Empowerment

Like Sierra, the LSU Soccer team made mental health advocacy a key focus this year. They worked closely with Athletes for Hope to engage in open dialogue with youth about mental health challenges, emphasizing that strength comes from vulnerability and asking for help.

Through workshops and school talks, team members shared personal stories, provided encouragement, and helped normalize mental health conversations among young people—particularly in underserved areas where access to resources may be limited.

A Culture of Leadership

What makes LSU Soccer truly special is the culture they’ve built. Service isn’t something they do for recognition—it’s who they are. The team has created an environment where compassion and commitment to others is just as important as performance on the pitch.

Under the leadership of their coaching staff and senior players, they’ve made service a staple of their team identity. Younger players are mentored not only in the sport, but in how to lead with empathy and integrity. It’s a full-circle moment—leaders beget leaders, and the cycle continues.

Their example has inspired other LSU teams to get involved, spreading the culture of service across the broader athletic department.

A Shining Example

There’s something powerful about seeing a group of people come together with one heart and one mission. LSU Soccer has shown that when athletes unite for a common good, their impact stretches far beyond the scoreboard.

We’re proud to recognize their achievements this year—not just in what they’ve done, but in how they’ve done it. With joy, with consistency, and with genuine care for others.

Congratulations, LSU Soccer. You’ve proven that the spirit of service is the strongest force on any team.

Why These Awards Matter

At Athletes for Hope, we believe deeply in the transformative power of sports. But we also know that the game is just the beginning. True greatness comes not only from what you achieve in competition, but from what you choose to give away. Your time. Your energy. Your voice. Your heart.

These awards are not about the biggest names or the flashiest stats—they’re about character, consistency, and compassion.

They’re about student-athletes who:

• Show up when no one is watching
• Care deeply about the communities they serve
• Inspire others to do the same
• Use their platforms to promote mental health, education, equity, and empowerment

Sierra Ballard and the LSU Soccer team exemplify these qualities and more. They are the blueprint for what it means to lead with purpose.

Looking Ahead

As we head into a new year, we are filled with hope and excitement. The stories of Sierra and LSU Soccer remind us that the next generation of athletes is not only talented—but deeply compassionate and socially conscious.

We hope their example inspires student-athletes across the country to take that first step: to volunteer, to speak up, to organize, to serve.

And to every student-athlete out there who has participated in our programs this year—thank you. Your actions are shaping a better, more equitable world. Keep pushing forward. Keep leading with heart.

We can’t wait to see what you do next.

About Athletes for Hope
Founded by a group of world-class athletes, Athletes for Hope is a non-profit that helps athletes at all levels get involved in charitable work. Through our AFH University program, we connect student-athletes with service opportunities, offer education around social issues, and build a national network of young leaders who are using their influence for good.