2024 Civic Leadership Award Finalists Revealed
Each year, Athletes Unlimited presents the Civic Leadership Award to one athlete for their civic engagement both on and off the field. The 2024 calendar year saw new and familiar faces across all sports demonstrating civic leadership, and serving as role models for the next generation of athletes and fans.
The Civic Leadership Award, Presented by EY, recognizes athletes who make a positive impact on their communities through Athlete Cause advocacy, volunteer work, community service, fundraising, voter participation initiatives, awareness campaigns, and more.
Nominees can be selected by their peers or self-nominated, with the 2024 recipient to be chosen by a selection committee that includes Roger McClendon (executive director, Green Sports Alliance), Ari Chambers (multi-media journalist, host, and women’s sports advocate; founder of HighlightHER), Julie Myers (CEO, One Love Foundation), and Sarah Francis (global client services partner, EY).
The 2025 finalists are Lexie Brown (basketball), Sam Geiersbach (lacrosse), Peyton St. George (softball), Morgan Hentz (volleyball), and Kaz Brown (volleyball).
Kaz, a two-time finalist for the award, advocates for the Lupus Foundation of America and is dedicated to raising funds and awareness for the Lupus community.
“My mom was diagnosed with lupus nearly 20 years ago, and it has greatly impacted her and my family,” Kaz said. “Lupus also disproportionately affects women of color. As a Black woman and an ally, it’s extremely important to me to represent the cause and help raise awareness specifically within that community.”
Geiersbach, who advocates for mental health and underprivileged communities, takes full advantage of the opportunities her athletic career has given her while raising awareness of important issues.
“Being a civic leader and staying civically engaged has become more important to me than ever before,” she said. “As athletes, and especially as professional athletes, we are granted privileges that many people will never experience. I’ve never been more aware of how fortunate I am, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without my sport. My main goal now is to give back and create opportunities for people who may not have access to the same resources or platforms that I’ve been lucky enough to have.”
The 2024 Civic Leadership Award winner will join previous recipients Jazmyn Jackson (2021), Cassidy Lichman (2022), and Mira Shane (2023).
Siera Jones is the digital media reporter at Athletes Unlimited. You can follow her on X @sieraajones.
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