Groth, Simmons Named Auburn’s Brad Davis SEC Community Service Award Winners

In an era where college athletics often take center stage for accomplishments on the field, it’s moments like these that shed light on the heart, character, and commitment of student-athletes away from the spotlight. Auburn University proudly announced that two of its standout student-athletes, swimmer Meghan Groth and football player Austin Simmons, have been named the recipients of the university’s 2025 Brad Davis SEC Community Service Award.

The honor, which recognizes one male and one female student-athlete from each SEC institution annually, is a prestigious acknowledgment of those who go above and beyond in serving their community. Groth and Simmons, through their passion, commitment, and unwavering dedication, have made a lasting impact not just on campus, but throughout the Auburn community and beyond.

A Tradition of Service

The Brad Davis SEC Community Service Award was established to recognize student-athletes who exhibit exceptional leadership through community service. Named after Brad Davis, a former Associate Commissioner of the Southeastern Conference who was deeply devoted to student-athlete welfare, the award reflects the conference’s commitment to personal development and civic engagement.

Each of the SEC’s 14 member institutions selects a male and female recipient. At the conclusion of the academic year, one male and one female student-athlete are chosen from the group of school-level winners as the overall Brad Davis Community Service Leaders of the Year. These two overall winners receive a $10,000 post-graduate scholarship, while the other recipients receive $5,000 scholarships for graduate study.

In recognizing Groth and Simmons, Auburn continues its long-standing tradition of honoring athletes who embody the spirit of service and leadership beyond their athletic achievements.

Meghan Groth: Making Waves In and Out of the Pool

A senior from Roswell, Georgia, Meghan Groth has been a vital member of the Auburn women’s swimming and diving team. However, it’s her extensive volunteer work, leadership in campus organizations, and dedication to youth and education that truly distinguish her.

Groth’s volunteer resume is as impressive as her times in the pool. She has been deeply involved in Auburn’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), serving as both a representative and later in a leadership position. Through SAAC, she participated in numerous outreach initiatives, including Read Across America, where she visited local elementary schools to read to children and promote literacy.

One of Groth’s most meaningful contributions has been her work with the Auburn University Dance Marathon (AUDM), which raises funds for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Groth helped coordinate fundraising events, mobilize student-athletes to participate, and played an instrumental role in raising awareness about pediatric health issues on campus.

Additionally, Groth volunteered with Project Uplift, a youth mentoring organization that pairs college students with at-risk children in the community. Through weekly visits and consistent support, Groth built a strong relationship with her mentee, demonstrating her compassion and dedication to making a positive difference.

“What stands out about Meghan is her quiet but powerful leadership,” said Auburn swimming and diving head coach Ryan Wochomurka. “She leads by example and brings so much heart to everything she does, whether that’s training in the pool, working in the classroom, or mentoring kids. She embodies the Auburn Creed in every sense.”

Beyond her service, Groth has excelled academically, pursuing a degree in Biomedical Sciences. She plans to attend medical school after graduation, with the goal of becoming a pediatrician — a fitting aspiration for someone so dedicated to children’s welfare.

“I’m incredibly honored to receive this award,” Groth said. “Giving back to the community has always been important to me. Auburn has given me so much, and it’s been my privilege to pay that forward.”

Austin Simmons: A Leader On and Off the Gridiron

For Auburn football player Austin Simmons, service is a way of life. A native of Birmingham, Alabama, the redshirt junior linebacker has long been committed to empowering others, particularly young men growing up in underserved communities. Simmons, who joined Auburn in 2021, has made his mark not just with tackles and leadership on defense, but through countless hours devoted to volunteer work and youth mentorship.

Simmons’ story is one of resilience and responsibility. Growing up in a single-parent household, he was inspired by community leaders and mentors who helped guide him through adversity. That experience fueled his desire to give back.

At Auburn, Simmons has taken full advantage of opportunities to serve. He has volunteered extensively with local Boys & Girls Clubs, offering mentorship, tutoring, and organizing sports clinics for youth. He’s also been a guest speaker at numerous high schools and youth events, sharing his journey and encouraging students to stay focused on their goals despite obstacles.

Perhaps most notably, Simmons helped establish “Tiger Men Lead,” a program designed to develop leadership skills among male student-athletes and connect them with boys in the community. Through workshops, mentorship programs, and service projects, Simmons and his peers have worked to model integrity, accountability, and purpose.

“It’s about being a role model,” Simmons said. “When I was growing up, I looked up to people who cared enough to invest in me. Now it’s my turn to do that for someone else.”

Simmons has also been involved with the Auburn Athletics “All In, All Auburn” initiative, helping to foster conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion. His voice has become one of the most respected within the department, often speaking on panels, participating in community forums, and advocating for student-athlete well-being.

“Austin is the kind of person who walks the walk,” said Auburn football head coach Hugh Freeze. “He’s not doing this for recognition — he genuinely wants to help others and make a difference. He’s a leader in every sense of the word, and we are all better because of him.”

Off the field, Simmons is majoring in Sociology with a minor in Leadership Studies. He intends to pursue a career in community development or youth advocacy after football.

“I believe we’re all here for a purpose,” he said. “Football is a platform, but what you do with that platform — how you impact others — that’s what really matters.”

A Legacy of Impact

With their selection as Auburn’s Brad Davis SEC Community Service Award winners, Groth and Simmons join a distinguished group of student-athletes who have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to service. Their recognition reflects Auburn’s broader mission of developing leaders of character who strive to make a difference.

“These two young people embody the values that make Auburn special,” said Director of Athletics John Cohen. “Meghan and Austin have shown what it means to live with purpose and to lead with humility. We are so proud of them and grateful for the example they’ve set for others.”

The impact of their work will continue long after they leave campus. Through mentorship, advocacy, and tireless service, both Groth and Simmons have planted seeds of change — not just in individual lives, but in the culture of Auburn athletics itself.

In a world where wins and losses often dominate headlines, it’s refreshing — and inspiring — to celebrate those whose victories are measured not by stats, but by service. Groth and Simmons are proof that the true spirit of college athletics lives in how student-athletes use their influence to uplift, empower, and transform their communities.

As the SEC prepares to name the overall Brad Davis Community Service Leaders of the Year later this spring, both Groth and Simmons are strong contenders for the conference-wide honor. Whether or not they receive the top award, their legacy at Auburn is already firmly established.

In the words of the Auburn Creed, “I believe in a sound mind, in a sound body and a spirit that is not afraid.” Through their service and leadership, Meghan Groth and Austin Simmons have lived that belief — and in doing so, have left Auburn better than they found it.