NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - Christopher Newport rising senior Savonte Chappell received recognition Wednesday as the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) announced its 2019 Give Back Team, honoring ten men's college basketball players for their outstanding community service efforts. Chappell, from South Boston, Va., has been a member of the CNU men's basketball program for the last three years and has exhibited an extraordinary strong drive to serve the community.
The 2019 NABC Give Back Team includes five student-athletes from NCAA Division I and five from NCAA Division II and III and the NAIA, selected from a group of 63 nominated by college coaches and sports information directors across the country.
"We are so proud of Savonte and the work he has done in the Newport News community," Head Coach John Kirkorian said. "Whenever he walks into a classroom or gymnasium, you can see the kids' faces light up. He has made a tremendous impact already and the really exciting thing is that this is just the beginning for him."
Chappell serves the community in a number of areas including as a small group leader for children with autism, focusing on communication, social skills, and fitness development. He has also mentored in the SLAM (Student Leader Athletes Mentors) program, and served as a leader during the Capital Athletic Conference's food drive...raising over 10,000 pounds for the local food bank.
Chappell began his work serving the community while in high school, and has continued his efforts since becoming a Captain. He has also participated in the Kids First program, and been a Captains Basketball Camp counselor.
Representing NCAA Division I on the Give Back team are Sam Dowd of Idaho State University, JT Escobar of the University of North Florida, Aaron Jordan of the University of Illinois, Trey Phills of Yale University and Horace Spencer of Auburn University. Representing NCAA Division II-III and the NAIA are Jordan Bonner of Wesleyan University, Daniel Burchette of North Greenville University, Brian Pearson of the University of Alaska-Anchorage, Kai Skinner of Westminster (PA) College, and Chappell.
"The NABC is proud to celebrate the 10 young men selected for this year's NABC Give Back Team in recognition of their exceptional selfless humanitarian acts," said NABC Executive Director Jim Haney. "These men's college basketball student-athletes have made significant contributions to assist those in need while helping lift the human spirit."
CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS