January 2024 | Student-Athlete & Team of the Month
Each month we ask our AFH University campus liaisons for nominations of student-athletes and teams who excelled in service. Through our monthly nominations, we can acknowledge all of the good our student-athletes and teams are doing in their communities.
During January, our Student-Athlete and Team of the Month award winners brought together members of their communities for great causes.
January Student-Athlete of the Month
Ashanti Tianna Turner
Our January Student-Athlete of the Month is Ashanti Tianna Turner from Bowie State Track & Field. Ashanti was nominated by her peers because of her incredible work connecting teams to service on the 2024 MLK Day of Service.
“Ashanti helped plan and execute getting volunteers for a Martin Luther King Day event on Bowie State’s campus. As SAAC President, Ashanti rallied student-athletes from various teams on campus to work in conjunction with the Nutrition Lounge (BSU food pantry) and RISE Against Hunger to package up 20,000 meals for MLK Day of Service.“
Aside from her MLK Day contributions, the senior sprinter is not new to service. She is actively involved in Bowie State’s R.A.K.E.(Random Acts of Kindness Everywhere) campus initiative which aims to spread positivity and spark continuous moments of joy for peers.
Over the summer, Ashanti participated in the 2023 Black Student-Athlete Summit, a four-day conference comprised of student-athletes, professionals, and influencers in athletics who discussed key topics that impact Black student-athletes.
During the summit she was able to discuss important topics such as Black student-athlete mental health, transitioning out of sports and Black athlete performance and success in life.
Ashanti is thrilled to be named January’s Student-Athlete of the Month and is excited to continue to propel her teammates and classmates toward service.
January Team of the Month
Clark Atlanta Women’s Basketball
The January Team of the Month is the Clark Atlanta women’s basketball team. The team was nominated by their peers for hosting a “day in the life” for children at the Harland Boys and Girls Club.
“The Clark Atlanta Women’s Basketball team hosted 15 children from the Harland Boys and Girls Club along with three chaperones and gave them a “day in the life” experience. Women’s Basketball along with the Spirit Booster Club showed the kids what a day in the life of a CAU student-athlete is like.
The kids from the club were able to spend time with the student-athletes and get to know them and ask questions about what being a collegiate athlete is like. They also spent the game with the Spirit Boosters who showed them different cheers and encouraged them to engage with fans and have fun!”
The Clark Atlanta Women’s Basketball team has historically been heavily involved in service throughout the Atlanta community, with several players helping to initiate team service projects. The Lady Panthers have participated in breast cancer research walks, read to local elementary school students, volunteered at community basketball court unveilings and more.
Aside from community service, the Lady Panthers are passionate about using their voices to make a difference. Several team members have participated in AFH University panels and Black History Month panels where they share their thoughts on topics surrounding student-athlete mental health and the Black student-athlete experience.
The Lady Panthers are excited to receive this award and recognition from their peers as they get ready for more community service this spring.