University of Georgia Athletics
2021 Graduation Spotlight - Community Service
May 10, 2021 | General
Throughout the week leading into the 2021 spring graduation, we will be featuring student athletes who have excelled in the areas of academics, leadership, community involvement and career development.
Mary Wilson Avant
Softball
“This year, I was the community service committee head for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, so I was able to really have, hopefully, a bigger impact than I have throughout the past four years.”
Isabelle Heckler
Equestrian
"To look back now, to be in the leadership position that I'm in, and to have gotten to hold a national championship trophy, it's just such a privilege and it's such a testament to the program that we have and the legacy that we wanted to leave."
Mitchell Wertz
Football
There was "no chance" he would have gotten the job "if it wasn't for The Georgia Way and the resources that were available to me through football."
Gabby Connally
Women's Basketball
“As I've gotten older, that's still what I'm into but I also believe in service. My parents served in the military and I plan to serve in federal law enforcement, which is a different kind of service.”
Jarvis Jones
Football
"It's been awesome for me because at that time that Kirby called me, I had separated myself from football and I was trying to figure out the next thing I was going to do."
Kayla Smith
Track & Field
"It shows they trust me, and I'm just glad that I have the experience and hopefully the wisdom to guide them down a good path, and hopefully they'll end up in a better place than where they're at when they're struggling."
Nicholas Yanek
Track/Cross Country
“Being Co-President of SAAC, working alongside Meg," he said. "That has been so exciting, taking on different projects and things. ... Coordinating those ideas and seeing other student-athletes get engaged and involved is always really exciting."
Davis Thompson
Men's Golf
“I’ve always prided myself on making good grades. My parents always encouraged me to work hard and do my best, and I’ve used that principle my whole life, to do my best in everything that I do.”
Shon Coleman
Men's Basketball
“We’re going to celebrate,” he said. “It’s been a long time coming — 20 years — so finally getting it done, that’s such a blessing. I won’t miss that for anything in the world.”
