University of Georgia students are helping young athletes in Clarke County elementary schools build confidence on the court and in the classroom.

The effort involves dozens of student volunteers, many of whom are lead success coaches, or LSCs working as part of Coaching4Success. A partnership program between the UGA’s Office of Service-Learning and the Clarke County School District, the program expands youth sports opportunities while fostering a growth mindset and a love of learning among fourth- and fifth-grade student athletes.

The UGA student volunteers in the Coaching4Success program now partner with eight elementary schools across the district and support student-athletes in basketball, cheerleading and soccer. Each visit is coordinated by the volunteers, who lead mentorship activities on social-emotional learning topics such as setting goals, finding focus, valuing teamwork and persisting through setbacks. 

During the 2025-26 school year, 59 UGA student volunteers served nearly 560 total hours during more than 120 visits to the eight schools. This time gave them the chance to serve as mentors and role models for more than 500 local elementary students.

“Coaching4Success creates an environment where UGA students can grow into more empathetic, skilled and community-minded individuals,” said Josh Podvin, assistant director for community partnerships with the Office of Service-Learning. “Our students are empowered with a great deal of responsibility and leadership, and they have the opportunity to build genuine connections and mentor Clarke County School District students.”

With support from the UGA Parents Leadership Council, the program expanded in 2025 to include the inaugural cohort of 19 lead success coaches. Those student leaders helped coordinate volunteers and guide sessions throughout the semester. LSCs commit more than 45 hours each semester and work with the same schools, allowing them to build deeper connections with students and staff while also developing key professional skills.

In fall 2026, Coaching4Success plans to add the volleyball programs to its sports curriculum and expand the program to more CCSD schools.