Coaching4Success is a partnership program between the University of Georgia and the Clarke County School District (CCSD) that strives to expand access to youth sports while simultaneously enhancing academic and social-emotional learning for fourth and fifth graders. Each week, a dedicated team of UGA student volunteers visits local elementary schools, bringing excitement and encouragement through mentorship. These sessions are about fostering a love for learning and building the social-emotional skills that are essential for long-term success.
This year, we are launching out inaugural cohort of Lead Success Coaches, UGA student leaders who help coordinate visits to schools and guide other student volunteers to ensure sessions are fun and educational. We are now accepting applications to next year’s cohort!
Coaching4Success Goals
- Support the Social-Emotional Learning of CCSD Students: We aim to introduce social-emotional learning (SEL) in a way that is engaging and enjoyable for students, helping them to develop crucial life skills. SEL increases self-awareness, academic achievement, and positive behaviors both in and out of the classroom.
- Provide Consistent, Positive Reinforcement: By offering regular, positive interactions, we strive to create a stable environment where students feel supported and motivated.
- Build Meaningful Relationships: The program fosters connections between CCSD students and UGA coaches, ensuring that students have role models who can guide them both academically and personally.
- Teach the Value of Teamwork: Through both academic and athletic activities, students learn the importance of working together to achieve common goals.
- Increase Self-Confidence: By celebrating achievements in both reading and sports, we help young scholars build self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment.
- Demonstrate a Measurable Impact: Our ultimate goal is to see tangible results, such as increased school attendance and higher grades, which reflect the success of the program.
- Generate Excitement Around Sports and Academics: We aim to create an environment where students are excited about both their academic and athletic pursuits, helping them to see the value in each.
Meet Our Fall 2025 Lead Success Coaches
Lead Success Coaches (LSCs) are the student leaders who will be leading Coaching4Success sessions at our partner CCSD schools. The LSCs will guide volunteers at each school to ensure that each session is educational, fun, and successful for CCSD students and UGA students!
Ashaar Bakshi
Ashaar Bakshi
Second Year
Major: Biology
Brady Hawkins
Brady Hawkins
Second Year
Major: Marketing
Danielle Adar
Danielle Adar
Third Year
Major: Biology
Eliott Stickler
Eliott Stickler
Second Year
Major: Exercise & Sports Science
Emily Durden
Emily Durden
Fourth Year
Major: Exercise & Sports Science
Esha Mehta
Esha Mehta
Third Year
Major: Biology
Eva Duignan
Eva Duignan
Fourth Year
Major: Journalism
Hadley Applegate
Hadley Applegate
Fourth Year
Major: Management
Jackson Abbey
Jackson Abbey
Fourth Year
Major: Exercise & Sports Science
Volunteer with us!
Our Leadership Team
Karen Raymond – Community Partnerships Coordinator
karen.raymond@uga.edu
Karen Raymond serves as the Community Partnerships Coordinator, where she leads the Coaching 4 Success program. Karen earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Georgia Southern University and a Master of Public Health with a focus on Epidemiology, along with a Global Health Certificate, from the University of Georgia.
Josh Podvin – Program Supervisor
jhpodvin@uga.edu
Joshua Podvin serves as the Assistant Director for the Office of Service-Learning, focusing on community partnerships and engagement. In this role, he supports the “Engage Georgia” platform, coordinates communication and support of community partners, special projects and days of service, and helps promote reciprocity and partnership with the local community.