NORTHBROOK, Ill. - Allstate and the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics announced the 128 student-athlete nominees for the inaugural Allstate NACDA Good Works Team, including Jax State Cross Country athletes Caden Meyer and Rudi Barnette.

The Good Works Team recognizes male and female student-athletes across all divisions and sports who go above and beyond in their commitment to community service, academic achievement and athletic performance.  

In January of 2025, Rudi Barnette was one of five Conference USA standouts named a semifinalist for the 2025 Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup, announced by Athletes for a Better World.

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.

Barnette serves as the chair for the SAAC Community Service Committee and has implemented numerous projects for her fellow Gamecocks, such as High Five Friday's, Trunk or Treat and Pre-K class readings. As a member of SAAC, Caden Meyer has also been a key part of Jax State's community footprint.

As a sophomore, Barnette was named the CUSA Fall 2024 Spirit of Service Award that honors student-athletes with significant community service endeavors, good academic standing and participation in their sport.

During the 2024 cross country season, Barnette posted a 3.92 GPA in Biology Secondary Education while Meyer managed a 3.27 GPA in Psychology.

With help from Barnette and Meyer, the Jax State SAAC finished third in the Conference USA SAAC Cup standings which assigns a point total for each member school based on academic excellence, career development, financial literacy, and community service. This marks the first time the Gamecocks have placed in the standings.  

A distinguished selection committee of athletics directors, former athletes and industry leaders will choose the final 20-member team — 10 female and 10 male student-athletes — set to be announced August 26. One student captain will also be named to represent the group. 
 
Barnette, Meyer and the Gamecocks are set to open up the year on August 29, 2025 at the Foothills Invitational at Choccolocco Park in Oxford, Ala.