District of Columbia's Emmanuela Katou Kouami Named to 2024-25 Allstate NACDA Good Works Team; Lands UDC's First-Ever NIL Deal

Release courtesy of Marlena Wright, District of Columbia Sports Information NORTHBROOK, IL – The University of the District of Columbia proudly congratulates Women's Track & Field Student-Athlete and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) President Emmanuela Katou-Kouami on being named to the 2024-25 Allstate NACDA Good Works Winter Team. This honor recognizes student-athletes across all sports and divisions who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, character, and commitment to community service.  In addition to this honor, Allstate is offering each member of the Good Works Team an NIL deal to further celebrate their service and promote their participation in this distinguished program. Through an NIL marketplace facilitated by Postgame, Katou-Kouami will have the opportunity to amplify her community work while receiving well-earned recognition. The Allstate NACDA Good Works Team is an extension of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, which has highlighted exceptional off-field contributions of college football players since 1992. Now, this expanded program annually honors 60 student-athletes from a variety of sports for their positive impact in their communities. Katou-Kouami is one of 20 student-atheletes, from a pool of 193 nominees to be chosen for this honor on the Winter team.  Katou-Kouami, a junior from the Bronx, NY, majoring in Biology at UDC, is not only a standout Field Athlete but also a leader in academic and extracurricular activities. Her commitment to excellence extends beyond athletics, as she actively participates in community service initiatives, and mentorship programs. As President of SAAC, Katou-Kouami played a key role in organizing the SAAC Field Day, which brought together student-athletes for team-building and community engagement. During Mental Health Awareness Week, she took the initiative to raise awareness at a UDC soccer game by setting up a mental health board, allowing fans to share ways they cope with stress and promoting dialogue on mental well-being. She also spearheaded multiple efforts to raise money for the Make-A-Wish foundation, including the Pie-A-Coach fundraising event during the NCAA Division II’s Annual Week of Wishes, rallying students, faculty, and athletes to contribute to a meaningful cause. "Emmanuela is the epitome of excellence academically and athletically, and particularly in regards to leadership and service," said UDC Director of Athletics Patricia Thomas. "As a freshman on day one, she was determined to influence and support our efforts with respect to campus and community engagement activities. To this day, her activism on and off campus has been exemplary. The NACDA Goods Works recognition is a significant accomplishment for Emmanuela consistent with university goals related to the student-athlete experience.” "I am incredibly proud that Emma's talents and dedication have earned her such an incredible honor and opportunity," added UDC women's track and field and cross country head coach Simone Grant. "Emma is an outstanding student-athlete and an inspiration to me, her peers, and the UDC community. Her confidence, work ethic, and passion for uplifting those around her make her truly deserving of this recognition." Katou-Kouami has dedicated time to serving the local community, volunteering at Ida B. Wells Middle School, assisting with youth programs and mentoring students. She also supported the Rock & Roll 5K Run, helping organize and cheer on participants, and worked with Girls on the Run 5K, an event promoting physical activity and empowerment for young girls. Katou-Kouami is the first student-athlete at the University of the District of Columbia to land an NIL deal. "For so long an NIL deal was something I thought was beyond my reach," said Katou-Kouami. "It is an amazing feeling to be celebrated for doing something that means a lot to me. Having my image used is both an honor and a blessing, that I will not take for granted. My name and image will be a representation of the effort and time that I put into my contributions. I would like to thank Allstate, NACDA, my Coach, and the UDC Athletic Department for making my once "unreachable" aspiration into reality."
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