NORTHBROOK, Ill. – Conference USA had two student-athletes nominated for the first-ever Allstate NACDA Fall Good Works Team, announced by the organization Tuesday. Selected nominees are recognized for their exceptional efforts in community service, academic achievement and athletic performance.
 
Both CUSA representatives hail from the Jax State cross country programs, including Rudi Barnette and Caden Meyer.
 
Barnette, a junior from Cullman, Ala., competed in six meets for the Gamecocks last season.
She currently 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.
 
Also a member of SAAC, Meyer, a senior out of Zeeland, Mich., is another key part of Jax State’s community footprint.
 
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. Click here to view the full list of nominees for the 2025-26 Allstate NACDA Good Works Team (Fall).
 
Allstate NACDA Good Works Team Nominees
Rudi Barnette, Jax State