Even her own individual honors don’t shift that perspective. When Gaston was named to the NACDA Allstate Good Works Team, which recognizes student- athletes who go above and beyond in volunteerism and civic engagement, her initial reaction was confusion over why her work was worth recognizing. After all, to her it was second nature. Only after reflecting did she see the recognition differently, not as validation but as a platform to highlight the importance of community service, especially for student-athletes who might not feel like they have extra time. “There’s always time if you make time,” she said. That’s why she makes time for Joy’s House. The work doesn’t build toward a finish line. There’s no next level to reach and no measurable improvement to track. For Gaston, that’s not just a break from the rest of her life, but a reminder of why she’s doing it. She talks about times when a guest lights up during an activity or finds a small sense of purpose in helping with something. Those moments stay with her. “Those are really big moments for them,” she said. “That’s what matters.” In a schedule filled with demanding classes, intense training, and preparation for a high-pressure career, those moments help keep everything in perspective and remind Gaston that she just needs to keep making the time.
stages of a race. Each environment demands something different but the core remains the same: awareness, discipline, and a willingness to meet the moment. Those qualities also define her leadership. As president of UIndy’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), Gaston has spent the past two years helping shape the experience of student-athletes across campus. One of the group’s major projects has been building up the SAAC Awards. In addition to on-field performances, the awards highlight leadership and community service, areas that don’t always get the same attention. True to form, Gaston doesn’t frame her leadership in terms of personal achievement. Instead, she focuses on what it enables for others—recognition for overlooked sports, opportunities for connection, and a stronger sense of community. “There are a lot of people doing really good work that you don’t always see,” she said.
Gaston works on a craft with a guest at Joy’s House.
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MAGAZINE // SUMMER 2026
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