Jax State's Barnette Named Coach Wooden Cup Semifinalist
1/22/2025 12:14:00 PM | Women's Cross Country, Student-Athlete Development
DALLAS – Five Conference USA standouts were named semifinalists for the 2025 Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup, announced by Athletes for a Better World. The league boasts the most semifinalists of any conference, ahead of the ACC (four), SEC (four) and Big Ten (three).
The group includes five recipients of the CUSA Spirit of Service Award in FIU's Reagan Bridges (women's soccer), Jax State's Rudi Barnette (women's cross country), Kennesaw State's Olivia Burrage (volleyball), Liberty's Elijah Auguste (football) and LA Tech's Zach Zimos (football).
The award, which was first presented in 2005 and is named after legendary Coach John Wooden, celebrates athletes who excel in their sport, demonstrate exceptional leadership, contribute meaningfully to their community and embody the highest standards of personal character.
The top three finalists will be announced in mid-February and will be invited to the star-studded awards ceremony on April 25 at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.
Barnette serves as the chair for the SAAC Community Service Committee and has implemented numerous projects for her fellow Gamecocks, such as High Five Fridays, Trunk or Treat and Pre-K class readings. She owns a 3.92 GPA in biology secondary education with the goal of becoming a biology teacher in the near future. Barnette competed in five meets this fall, helping Jax State to four top-five finishes, and logged a career-best 6k performance at the 2024 CUSA Cross Country Championship (25:17.8).
The group includes five recipients of the CUSA Spirit of Service Award in FIU's Reagan Bridges (women's soccer), Jax State's Rudi Barnette (women's cross country), Kennesaw State's Olivia Burrage (volleyball), Liberty's Elijah Auguste (football) and LA Tech's Zach Zimos (football).
The award, which was first presented in 2005 and is named after legendary Coach John Wooden, celebrates athletes who excel in their sport, demonstrate exceptional leadership, contribute meaningfully to their community and embody the highest standards of personal character.
The top three finalists will be announced in mid-February and will be invited to the star-studded awards ceremony on April 25 at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.
Barnette serves as the chair for the SAAC Community Service Committee and has implemented numerous projects for her fellow Gamecocks, such as High Five Fridays, Trunk or Treat and Pre-K class readings. She owns a 3.92 GPA in biology secondary education with the goal of becoming a biology teacher in the near future. Barnette competed in five meets this fall, helping Jax State to four top-five finishes, and logged a career-best 6k performance at the 2024 CUSA Cross Country Championship (25:17.8).
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Cross Country
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