NEW ORLEANS – The Sun Belt Conference announced its first All-Sun Belt Community Service Team on Monday following the conclusion of the 2024-25 academic year, and representing Old Dominion is men’s basketball alumni Imo Essien.
The program recognizes student-athletes who demonstrate exceptional dedication to community service. Each school nominated someone who demonstrated excellence in community service, particularly in the leadership and execution of these efforts.
The recognition was developed in conjunction with the Sun Belt Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) to highlight the importance of community service within the conference’s mission, while continuing the celebration of the impactful contributions happening on all 14 Sun Belt campuses.
During the 2024-25 academic year, Essien contributed over 150 hours of service despite being unable to compete due to a medical emergency he experienced the year before. The Wylie, Texas native put on a free basketball clinic for elementary school children in his hometown. Additionally, he led an after-school clinic for a Norfolk area elementary school and handled parking for a diversity in aquatics event that taught minority youth how to swim. He also spent time volunteering at a downtown homeless shelter, played bingo and served at the Union Mission shelter, and painted shoes with youth cancer patients to bring awareness to juvenile cancer.
2024-25 All-Sun Belt Community Service Team
App State
Tucker Sangster, Men’s Cross Country
Arkansas State
Corey Rucker, Football
Coastal Carolina
Nicolette Picone, Softball
Georgia Southern
Pichon Wimbley, Football
Georgia State
Mikyla Tolivert, Women’s Basketball
James Madison
Sierra Puleo, Women’s Track & Field
Louisiana
Natalie Mayes, Women’s Soccer
ULM
Asjha Leake, Women’s Basketball
Marshall
Alicia Rivera, Women’s Track & Field
Old Dominion
Imo Essien, Men’s Basketball
South Alabama
Judah Brown, Men’s Basketball
Southern Miss
Madeline Moody, Softball
Texas State
Lauryn Small, Women’s Track & Field
Troy
Abby Grosinske, Women’s Track & Field