NORTHBROOK, Ill. – Loyola University Chicago men's soccer senior Aidan Crawford has been named captain of the inaugural Allstate National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Good Works Team (Fall), the organization announced Tuesday. The honor recognizes 20 student-athletes across all collegiate divisions for their leadership, service and community impact.
Crawford, a goalkeeper and molecular and cellular neuroscience major, was surprised with the announcement when ESPN reporter Holly Rowe delivered the news before Loyola's recent match against Purdue Fort Wayne.
"This team represents the best of what student-athletes can achieve beyond their sport," Rowe said. "These student-athletes are transforming their communities through genuine service and leadership, spotlighting college athletics at its most powerful and purposeful form."
Crawford founded Special Olympics LUC, a student-led organization at Loyola in partnership with Misericordia, a residential community for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The group connects Loyola students with Misericordia residents through Special Olympics practices and campus inclusion initiatives. In its first year, more than 90 students volunteered, and the group was named Loyola's Outstanding New Organization of the Year.
Special Olympics LUC has also earned state and national recognition, including representing Special Olympics Illinois in Chicago's 2024 Mag Mile Parade and receiving a top-20 national ranking from Special Olympics North America and ESPN.
In addition, Crawford was awarded a bioethics research fellowship to study how disability sports can better serve athletes with varying abilities. His research, currently under review for publication, explores ways to improve disability sport policy and programming.
"I'm deeply honored to be captain of this team," Crawford said. "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."
The inaugural fall Good Works Team includes student-athletes from NCAA Divisions I, II and III, junior and community colleges, and the NAIA. The 20 honorees represent seven sports and were selected for service efforts addressing causes such as pediatric cancer care, disability inclusion, food and housing insecurity, and education access.
