Eastern Wayne Today

Wayne State University men's cross country athlete Eli DiCerbo has been named one of 10 male recipients of the inaugural Allstate NACDA Good Works Team (Fall). The team, announced by Allstate and the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), recognizes 20 student-athletes across collegiate fall sports for their leadership, service, and community impact.

DiCerbo, a redshirt senior from Clinton Township, Michigan, has made notable contributions both on and off the field. In his first year in 2021, he earned Second Team All-GLIAC honors after finishing 22nd at the conference meet and was named Wayne State's Newcomer of the Year. He has competed in seven events for Wayne State.

Academically, DiCerbo is enrolled in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences and has been named to the Athletic Director's Honor Roll with a term GPA above 3.5 in each of his first eight semesters at Wayne State. He posted a 4.0 GPA in seven terms. DiCerbo has also received GLIAC All-Academic Excellence Team recognition three times from 2022 to 2024, is a three-time recipient of the D2 ADA Academic Achievement Award, and twice received the Deans' Award from his college for having the highest cumulative grade-point average among student-athletes.

In addition to his academic achievements, DiCerbo has volunteered over 135 hours within his community. His efforts include assisting at events such as the Detroit Marathon and Belle Isle Triathlon as well as participating in food and clothing drives for Wayne State's W Pantry.

The Allstate NACDA Good Works Team (Fall) includes student-athletes from NCAA Divisions I, II, III, junior/community colleges, and NAIA schools across seven sports such as soccer, volleyball, cross country, field hockey, and water polo. Honorees were chosen for supporting causes including pediatric cancer care, disability inclusion, food and housing insecurity, and education access.

Aidan Crawford of Loyola Chicago was named captain of this year's team for founding Special Olympics Loyola University Chicago and leading various community initiatives. "I'm deeply honored to be captain of this team. For me, sports have always been about connection, belonging and giving back. Leading this group is an opportunity to celebrate the impact my teammates and I make in communities that far outweigh any game," said Crawford.

Other honorees include Nevaeh Bray from University of Portland who helped organize mentorship programs; Katie Corrigan from Walsh University who raised nearly $60,000 for Camp Kesem; Ben Liscum from Penn State who raised $80,000 for THON; Will Ryan from University of Iowa who volunteers at a children's hospital; and Lexi Wright from UCLA who serves pediatric cancer patients while promoting disability inclusion.

Holly Rowe, ESPN reporter:

"This team represents the best of what student-athletes can achieve beyond their sport. These student-athletes are transforming their communities through genuine service and leadership, spotlighting college athletics at its most powerful and purposeful form."

Elizabeth Brady with Allstate stated:

"This inaugural year of the Allstate NACDA Good Works Team revealed a generation of purpose-driven leaders who are committed to uplifting others. We celebrate their stories of service and impact in communities."

Pat Manak with NACDA added:

"The Allstate NACDA Good Works Team (Fall) represents a diverse and talented cross-section of student-athletes from all divisions and regions of the country who are making a difference outside of their sport. We are honored to recognize Aidan as the captain of this outstanding group, rounding out the first full year of this important initiative."

The full roster along with stories about each honoree can be found on www.nacda.com.

The Allstate NACDA Good Works Team was created in 2024 to honor male and female student-athletes across all collegiate sports divisions for leadership in community service as well as academics and athletics. This program builds on more than three decades recognizing football players through its predecessor initiative.

NACDA is an association representing over 24,000 college athletics administrators at more than 2,300 institutions throughout North America.