Ashtin Elder, a senior on the Illinois Wesleyan University track and field team, has been named to the 2025-26 Allstate NACDA Good Works Team (Winter). Elder is one of 20 student-athletes selected across all divisions for this recognition. The award highlights 60 student-athletes annually in winter, spring, and fall seasons, with 20 honorees per season.
Elder becomes the first member of the Illinois Wesleyan Titans to be named to a final Good Works Team after seven previous nominations from the university. According to the official website, the Illinois Wesleyan Titans Men’s Track and Field program is based in Bloomington, Illinois. The team competes at the NCAA Division III level as part of the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW), hosting its indoor events at the Shirk Center Indoor Track.
“This season, we are particularly proud to highlight the incredible community service work of Ashtin and the other members of the Allstate NACDA Good Works Team (Winter),” said Dana LeRoy, vice president of the organization. “These student-athletes are setting an example for future generations, showing that leadership in sport is equally matched by their dedication to service in their communities. Their commitment to lifting each other up through initiatives both inside and outside of their sport is truly inspiring.”
In addition to his athletic commitments, Elder works as a photographer in IWU’s athletic communications office. He won “Photo of the Year” at the 2025 College Sports Communicators Creative and Digital Design Contest for images capturing celebrations by Illinois Wesleyan men’s volleyball and softball teams.
Elder also runs his own photography business but uses his skills for community benefit. He volunteers regularly at Eastview Christian Church’s nursery and creates content for its social media platforms. His mission trips with Eastview Christian Church have taken him to El Salvador and Kenya. After visiting Kenya in 2023, Elder saw a need for sports shoes among local children. Since then, he and his family have collected new and used shoes for donation through Eastview’s Kenya Sports Outreach Program.
Elder will be recognized during halftime at Wednesday’s women’s basketball game against Wheaton College on February 18. He will also host a shoe drive at that event, encouraging donations from students and community members to support children in Kenya via Eastview’s Sports Outreach program.
The Illinois Wesleyan Titans Men’s Track and Field program includes student-athletes from freshman through senior years who participate in intercollegiate athletics according to its official website.
