Crawford Named NACDA Good Works Team Captain for Work with Special Olympics Loyola University Chicago

Aidan Crawford — Loyola’s redshirt third-year goalkeeper and Men’s soccer team captain — was named captain for Allstate’s National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics Good Works Fall Team, an honor he received through his dedication to community service with Special Olympics Loyola University Chicago, an organization he founded. 

Crawford received his award Aug. 24, before kickoff at Loyola’s match against Purdue Fort Wayne. ESPN’s Holly Rowe presented the award to Crawford with a varsity jacket during the surprise ceremony, leaving Crawford stunned. 

“I was shocked,” Crawford said. “I mean, I had no idea this was being planned for me, and to see so many people who support me today, like my family, my student organization advisor, my whole team coming together and supporting me for it — I just feel so lucky to have so many people that support me in this way.”

The partnership between Allstate Insurance and the NACDA is an initiative recognizing student-athletes for their achievements in civic engagement and volunteer work, according to their website. 

Over 200 nominees representing colleges across the nation and divisions made the list, according to Rowe. She and other notable members of the selection committee — such as former NACDA presidents and retired athletes — narrowed the list for the fall team. 

Crawford leads the helm for players across the country, ranging from the University of California – Los Angeles to Wayne State University in Detroit, all playing in different fall sports. 

Crawford’s mom, Elise, said as a parent, this achievement tops everything else Crawford has done throughout his career. 

“Aidan works really hard academically,” Elise Crawford said. “He works really hard athletically. He’s had a lot of success that he’s worked for. This sort of recognition is more important than any of that. The recognition of being a good person.” 

Crawford’s parents noted his connection to serving people with disabilities, including his 19-year-old sister, Katia. The importance of sports in his life and his passion for service led him to create Special Olympics Loyola University Chicago, his parents said.

“It is so touching to see that not only his hard work on the field, but also his dedication to serving the community and serving people with disabilities, like his sister,” his dad, Patrick, said. “It really touches our hearts that he puts so much hard work on the field, in the classroom, but also just with community service.”

Loyola’s Men’s soccer head coach Steve Bode said the recognition is a true testament to who Crawford is and the work he’s done on and off the field has shaped him into the player he is today.

“I just can’t say enough about Aidan’s character,” Bode said. “He has been the initiator for all these things that he’s done. He’s an incredible person. He obviously has an incredible knack to want to give back. I can’t say enough about what he’s done, not only on the field, but his ability to serve and make a difference to people’s lives.”

Crawford serves as the founder and president of Special Olympics Loyola University Chicago along with faculty advisor Olivia Stewart Lester, an associate professor of New Testament and Early Christianity and the Theology department’s graduate program director. 

Crawford has always had a love for the Special Olympics, and said he was surprised when Loyola didn’t have a student organization, as the Special Olympics were founded in Chicago. His goal, he said, was to start the organization and see it come to fruition. 

After meeting during Crawford’s first year at Loyola, he approached Stewart Lester with the idea of starting the student organization on campus. Special Olympics Loyola University Chicago was awarded Best New Student Organization by the university this past spring.

Stewart Lester commented on Crawford’s ability to lead the organization and how it came from nothing to now being nationally recognized. 

“There is no one more deserving of this honor than Aidan,” Stewart Lester said. “He is a stellar student, an excellent athlete. He is someone who lives out the value of being a person for others better than anyone else I know.”

Special Olympics Loyola University Chicago is partnered with Miseracordia Home, located just down the street from Crawford’s home turf at Hoyne Field. Miseracordia Home’s mission is to provide continuous care for adults and children who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, according to their website. 

With Crawford’s recognition, there’s still uncertainty, as Crawford said he isn’t sure what to expect as the season goes on. He does know this award will bring national recognition to Special Olympics Loyola University Chicago and is hoping to gain more support from fellow students and the outside community. 

“I’ll find out [what being an Allstate NACDA Fall captain is] with you,” Crawford said, laughing. “I don’t really know. All I know is it’s a great opportunity to show and represent what Loyola is about on a national stage.”

Crawford and his parents said they’re all thankful he’s at an institution like Loyola — one that promotes service and rewards those who take charge. 

His mom said there’s a chance he wouldn’t have gotten this award without the support of the university and those who have represented Special Olympics Loyola University Chicago.

Crawford reiterated his mom’s statements, and said being at Loyola helped set him up for success in his service initiatives.  

“I feel so honored that I’m at a school and I come from a family where accomplishments like this are encouraged, and being able to serve and be recognized for that is something I’m very proud of,” Crawford said. 

As Crawford’s time as a Loyola student, studying to go to medical school, and his collegiate eligibility runs out, he hopes to keep Special Olympics Loyola University Chicago afloat, and help out where he can. 

For more information on Special Olympics Loyola University Chicago and their work with Miseracordia Home, check out their Instagram and website.