University of Georgia students are helping young athletes in Clarke County elementary schools build confidence on the court and in the classroom.
The effort involves dozens of student volunteers, many of whom are lead success coaches, or LSCs working as part of Coaching4Success. A partnership program between the UGA’s Office of Service-Learning and the Clarke County School District, the program expands youth sports opportunities while fostering a growth mindset and a love of learning among fourth- and fifth-grade student athletes.
“The most rewarding part of our program is seeing the impact we are able to have on the students,” said Hadley Applegate, an LSC and fourth-year management major who has been with the program since it launched in 2024. “It always makes me feel good when a student is excited that we are back at their school.”
The UGA student volunteers in the Coaching4Success program now partner with eight elementary schools across the district and support student-athletes in basketball, cheerleading and soccer. Each visit is coordinated by the volunteers, who lead mentorship activities on social-emotional learning topics such as setting goals, finding focus, valuing teamwork and persisting through setbacks.
During the 2025-26 school year, 59 UGA student volunteers served nearly 560 total hours during more than 120 visits to the eight schools. This time gave them the chance to serve as mentors and role models for more than 500 local elementary students.
“Coaching4Success creates an environment where UGA students can grow into more empathetic, skilled and community-minded individuals,” said Josh Podvin, assistant director for community partnerships with the Office of Service-Learning. “Our students are empowered with a great deal of responsibility and leadership, and they have the opportunity to build genuine connections and mentor Clarke County School District students.”
With support from the UGA Parents Leadership Council, the program expanded in 2025 to include the inaugural cohort of 19 lead success coaches. Those student leaders helped coordinate volunteers and guide sessions throughout the semester. LSCs commit more than 45 hours each semester and work with the same schools, allowing them to build deeper connections with students and staff while also developing key professional skills.
“Being an LSC has taught me how to take initiative while also building my teamwork skills,” Applegate said. “Working with other LSCs and volunteers requires a lot of collaboration and teamwork, which is something I feel like I’ve improved upon since joining the program.”
Outside of school visits, LSCs meet biweekly to create lesson plans and enhance their own professional development. They take part in training sessions on topics including public speaking, mentorship and peer leadership that give them the tools and knowledge to lead each Coaching4Success session. These training sessions also allow the LSCs to build relationships with each other.
“Since LSCs are at different school sites and don’t have an opportunity to engage with each other in person as much, it’s wonderful to see them bond and work together during the training activities,” said Amunet Berry, a graduate assistant in the Office of Service-Learning and a Coaching4Success coordinator. “I introduce icebreakers and warmups that are focused on giving the coaches a chance to learn more about each other and become more comfortable engaging as a team.”
This year, Coaching4Success also implemented a committee system with opportunities for LSCs to get involved in marketing, recruitment and program management.
“This program has helped me grow both personally and academically by strengthening my leadership, communication, and adaptability,” said Eva Duignan, fourth-year journalism major and LSC on the Coach4Success marketing committee. “I’ve learned how to lead a team effectively, communicate clearly and think on my feet when working with students. The experience has also taught me how to be more receptive to feedback and adjust my approach to meet different needs.”
Like all service-learning courses and programs, Coaching4Success is mutually beneficial. While UGA volunteers support CCSD students and strengthen community partnerships, they also develop their own skills in communication, leadership, and social awareness and responsibility. It’s a chance for UGA students to develop a greater connection to the community beyond campus, and CCSD students to learn more about the university and the college experience in Athens.
“I love seeing when students reflect on the lessons they learned and thoughtfully connect the day’s topic to their own lives,” said Ashaar Bakshi, an LSC and second-year biology major. “This experience has influenced my educational goals by introducing me to the fulfillment and joy that comes from teaching and coaching others. Before I entered this program, I was solely focused on becoming a physician. But after having the opportunity to teach and coach these students, I realize that I may want to incorporate some dimension of academia or mentoring in my future career.”
In fall 2026, Coaching4Success plans to add the volleyball programs to its sports curriculum and expand the program to more CCSD schools. For those interested in volunteering or taking on a leadership role as an LSC, share your interest with the Office of Service-Learning here.