GPAC Duo Makes History with Selection to Allstate AFCA Good Works Team

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Northwestern (Iowa) kicker Gianna Bennett made history Tuesday as the first female student-athlete ever selected to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, joining Morningside (Iowa) punter Luke Paulsen as the NAIA’s two representatives among 22 college football student-athletes honored nationally. 

The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team recognizes college football student-athletes whose impact extends beyond competition through community service, academic achievement and leadership. Bennett and Paulsen were selected from 162 nominees across all levels of college football, with 11 student-athletes chosen for the combined team representing the FCS, NCAA Divisions II and III and the NAIA. 

For the NAIA, Bennett and Paulsen represent The Right Way To Play® in action: using the opportunities provided through college athletics to make an impact not only in competition, but on campus and in the community. 

Bennett has raised $40,000 over the past four years through Every Kick Counts, a fundraising program supporting Count the Kicks, a stillbirth prevention campaign that provides expectant parents with potentially life-saving education. In 2025, Bennett was the program’s top fundraiser among approximately 400 participants, raising more than $10,000. Her service also includes mentoring in Northwestern’s NEXT program, tutoring through the Peer Learning Center, volunteering as a youth flag football coach and serving as a small-group leader for Northwestern’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter. 

Her impact continues on the field. Bennett has scored 66 career points on nine field goals and 39 extra points, placing her 34 points from tying and 35 from breaking the college football record for points scored by a female player. She has scored 14 points through Northwestern’s first three games of 2026, converting 11-of-12 extra points and connecting on a 39-yard field goal in the Raiders’ win over Morningside. 

Bennett earned All-GPAC honorable mention recognition in 2025 while also being named CSC Academic All-District and an NAIA Scholar-Athlete. Her selection to the Good Works Team is the latest milestone in a career that has also included becoming the first female football player to score in a Great Plains Athletic Conference game. 

Paulsen’s selection recognizes a similar commitment to using athletics as a platform for service. He created Morningside’s Kids Captain program, which gives children with disabilities and their families an opportunity to take part in the Mustangs’ gameday experience, including leading the team onto the field. He has also participated in mission trips during his time at Morningside, most recently serving at an orphanage in Uganda. 

On the field, Paulsen has handled punting duties for Morningside over the past three seasons. He entered this week averaging 35.7 yards per punt during his career. 

The 2026 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team collectively has contributed more than 12,000 hours of volunteer service, raised more than $100,000 for charitable causes and launched seven community initiatives and foundations. Established in 1992, the team has recognized college football student-athletes for their commitment to service, academics and athletics for more than three decades.