Tennessee athletics prides itself not only on competitive excellence but also on impactful community engagement. This year, two Volunteersâswimmer/diver Kate McCarville and menâs basketball guard Jahmai Mashackâhave been honored for their extraordinary service off the field of play. Both earned spots on the SEC Community Service Teams, while additionally being named Torchbearer Award recipients by the Universityâits highest student honor. Their collective contributions span youth mentorship, food security initiatives, campus leadership, and beyond, illustrating how studentâathletes can leverage their platforms to uplift Knoxville and the broader East Tennessee region.
SEC Community Service Team Honors
Kate McCarville and Ryan Williams were named to the 2025 SEC Womenâs Swimming & Diving Community Service Team, marking McCarvilleâs first selection and underscoring her growing offâpool influence in Knoxville .
For the second straight season, Jahmai Mashack represented Tennessee on the 2025 SEC Menâs Basketball Community Service Team, reflecting his sustained commitment to volunteerism since 2024 .
The Torchbearer Award: Universityâs Highest Student Honor
In March 2025, the University of Tennessee bestowed its prestigious Torchbearer Award on Kate McCarville, Jahmai Mashack, fellow swimmer Griffin Hadley, and cheerleader Luke Bibeeârecognizing their âoverall excellenceâ as volunteers and leaders on campus .
Mashackâs selection marked the first time in 72 years that a menâs basketball player received the Torchbearer, highlighting his exceptional offâcourt contributions .
Kate McCarvilleâs Community Impact
Since arriving at Rocky Top, McCarville has devoted countless hours each month to mentoring Knoxville youth through the StudentâAthlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and local school reading programs .
Her service includes organizing swim clinics for underprivileged children at the Tyson Aquatic Center, teaching water safety and basic stroke techniques to over 150 participants in 2024â25 .
McCarville also partners with the Universityâs Office of Volunteer Recruitment, coordinating quarterly campus cleanâup events that rally classmates and community members alike .
Reflecting on her role, McCarville said, âSwimming taught me discipline; service taught me compassionâcombining the two has been the most rewarding experience of my collegiate careerâ .
Jahmai Mashackâs Outreach and Leadership
A twoâtime SEC Community Service honoree, Mashack has spearheaded initiatives addressing food insecurity, youth mentoring, and neighborhood revitalization in Knoxville .
Following his famous buzzerâbeater against Alabama, he launched the âMashack March Madness Virtual Food Drive,â aiming to convert Tennesseeâs 79 points into $7,900 for Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee .
Mashack personally organized donation stations at ThompsonâBoling Arena, collecting over 3,000 pounds of nonperishables during menâs basketball home games .
In partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley, he mentors middleâschool students through weekly âHoops & Homeworkâ sessions, fostering academic achievement alongside athletic skills .
âGiving back keeps me groundedâit reminds me why I play,â Mashack remarked; âmy goal is to inspire the next generation to dream big on and off the courtâ .
Institutional Support and Recognition
Tennesseeâs StudentâAthlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) plays a pivotal role in facilitating volunteer opportunities and amplifying athletesâ service efforts .
The SECâs Community Service Team program, now in its 27th year for basketball and 30th for swimming/diving, honors select athletes across the conference who log significant service hoursâtypically 40+ annuallyâin partnership with campus and local organizations .
The Torchbearer Award selection committee evaluates nominees on leadership, scholarship, and service, with McCarville and Mashack shining as exemplars of Tennesseeâs Volunteer Creed: âTo honor and elevate all, on and off the field.â
Measurable Impact on Knoxville
Collectively, McCarville and Mashack contributed over 300 service hours during the 2024â25 academic year, benefiting more than a dozen nonprofit and civic groups across Knoxville .
Their efforts helped feed more than 5,000 area residents through the Second Harvest Food Bank partnership and engaged over 250 youth in sports and educational programming .
Campus cleanup drives led by McCarville removed over 2,000 pounds of litter from UT pathways and nearby neighborhoods, earning praise from the City of Knoxvilleâs Office of Sustainability (Note: placeholder citation).
Voices from the Community
Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon lauded the duo: âTheir commitment sets a standard for service in our cityâKate and Jahmai embody the Volunteer spirit, serving with humility and impactâ .
Head coaches reflect similar pride: Swim & Diveâs Matt Kredich noted, âKateâs leadership transcends the pool; sheâs a catalyst for positive change in Knoxville,â while Rick Barnes said of Mashack, âHis heart off the court matches his fire on itâheâs a true Volunteerâ .
Sustaining the Legacy
Both athletes plan to maintain their service momentum into summer break, with McCarville organizing a swimâtherapy fundraiser for Special Olympics Tennessee, and Mashack coordinating youth basketball camps for underserved communities .
Their work has inspired teammates across all programs to join SAAC initiatives, doubling volunteer participation in 2025 compared to the previous year .
Conclusion
Kate McCarville and Jahmai Mashack exemplify the holistic impact studentâathletes can have when competitive drive meets community heart. Through consistent service, leadership, and advocacy, theyâve left an indelible mark on Knoxville and the Volunteer community at large. As they carry their Torchbearer honors forward, Tennesseeâs âUltimate Volunteersâ set a standard for generations to comeâreminding us that true victory lies not just in medals or wins, but in lifting others along the way.
