Golfer Freese Named to Allstate Good Works Team

NORTHBROOK, Ill. (May 5, 2026) – Allstate and the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) today announced the 2025-26 Allstate NACDA Good Works Team (Spring), a group of 20 student-athletes who lead in their sport, academics and in communities across the country.

The Allstate NACDA Good Works Team was created to spotlight student-athletes for their meaningful community service. Honorees include men and women from NCAA Divisions I, II and III, NAIA and junior colleges, with student-athletes recognized each season across fall, winter and spring sports. 

This season's team was selected from 137 student-athletes nominated by their schools. Honorees receive a monetary contribution from Allstate to further support their community service, with the team captain receiving an additional contribution and surprise in-person recognition by ESPN sports commentator Holly Rowe. 

Chris DeBiase, Allstate executive vice president, chief legal officer and general counsel and collegiate sports ambassador, said that "Allstate has long believed in the power of college athletics to shape leaders. We are proud to recognize these spring honorees who are demonstrating exceptional leadership and impact through community service, and to help fuel the causes they care about. Service is leadership and we want to reward and empower the young people who prove it every day."

"Programs like the Allstate NACDA Good Works Team make sure service and leadership are recognized alongside athletic excellence," said Holly Rowe, ESPN Sports Commentator. "Allstate and NACDA's commitment to celebrating student-athletes across every sport and division helps elevate stories that deserve a national spotlight, and I'm proud to help highlight student-athletes who rise to meet the needs of their communities."

"The Allstate NACDA Good Works Team initiative continues to bring out the best in college athletics, highlighting student-athletes who are setting incredible examples as leaders and role models," said Pat Manak, NACDA chief executive officer. "To witness the impact that these young people have in communities and on campuses of all sizes across the country is special, and it is a privilege to tell their stories."

The 2025-26 Allstate NACDA Good Works Team (Spring) includes 10 men and 10 women across all divisions. Honorees support a breadth of service causes and ways student-athletes today are giving back.

Daniel "DJ" Freese, Columbia College, Men's Golf: Volunteers with multiple Summer Kids Camps, inspiring campers through lessons on building meaningful relationships, confidence and character. 

Freese is a graduate student golfer at Columbia College who has demonstrated a sustained commitment to youth mentorship and golf development through service, coaching, and leadership. He has mentored young athletes through summer camps, junior golf programs with the South Carolina Junior Golf Association, and internships supporting tournament operations and player development. DJ also played a pivotal role in rebuilding high school golf programs at Abbeville and Dixie High Schools in SC, while also helping to re-establish Dixie's program and guiding it to a state championship in its first year back. Academically and athletically driven, he holds dual undergraduate degrees, is pursuing two master's degrees, and has recorded multiple top 25 collegiate finishes while continuing to serve the game in leadership roles.

Allstate NACDA Good Works Team (Spring) 2025-26 - DJ Freese Allstate Bio