INDIANAPOLIS- The Allstate and National Athletic Association of College Directors of Athletics announced the inaugural fall Good Works Team, Tuesday morning. The Good Works team is made up of 60 student-athletes, with 20 coming from each season.
Two student-athletes from the Great Midwest were one of 20 individuals in the recognized on this team for their dedication to leadership and impact in the community.
Ursuline senior volleyball student-athlete Grace Van Niel owns a crochet business to support mental health. The Amherst, Ohio native creates “Positivity Pickles” that include encouraging quotes to customers. Van Niel donates 15% of her proceeds to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). In addition to the “Positivity Pickles”, she also crochet’s bees for “Comfort for Cancer”, an imitative inspired by a beekeepers journey through cancer treatment. In addition to her crochet business, Van Niel has accumulated volunteer hours in the greater Cleveland areas at a number of organizations including Boys and Girls Home, Zelle’s Home, and Cleveland Botanical Gardens. She also serves as a resident assistant on Ursuline’s campus, mentoring peers and helping students navigate the transition from high school to college.
In addition to Van Niel, Katie Corrigan of Walsh University was also recognized as part of the fall edition of the All-State Good Works Team. Corrigan, a two year captain and all-conference honoree, was awarded for her lifelong passion and dedication to Camp Kesem. Camp Kesem is centered around providing support to children whose parents are affected by cancer. A former attendee camp Kesem, Corrigan decided to return as a volunteer and counselor. She helped to raise nearly $60,000 to keep the camp up and running. In addition to her lifelong service at Camp Kesem, the Cincinnati native also volunteers in the North Canton community at food pantrys, YWCA, and local youth soccer programs.
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.