Five Georgia Bulldogs Named to SEC Student-Athlete Leadership Council

CJ Allen, Blue Cain, Savannah Henderson, Destin Howard, and Ryan Olree to Represent UGA at Two-Day Leadership Meetings in Atlanta

ATLANTA – Five University of Georgia student-athletes have been selected to participate in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Student-Athlete Leadership Council meetings, set for Thursday and Friday at the Omni Hotel in Atlanta.

Representing UGA are CJ Allen (football), Blue Cain (men’s basketball), Savannah Henderson (women’s basketball), Destin Howard (softball), and Ryan Olree (track & field/cross country). The group will take part in joint sessions of the SEC’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), Football Leadership Council, and Men’s and Women’s Basketball Leadership Councils.

The SEC Student-Athlete Leadership Council aims to amplify student-athlete voices while fostering engagement with campus administrators and conference officials on issues including student-athlete wellness, academic support, and playing rules.

The two-day agenda includes presentations from DeLaina Sarden of Parker Executive Search and representatives from the law firm Akin Gump. Topics will cover leveraging student-athlete experiences for career development and understanding the legislative landscape in college athletics.

Participants will also have the opportunity to meet with SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey, SEC Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Katie O’Neal, and other conference staff. Breakout sessions tailored to each sport-specific council will provide additional opportunities for discussion and leadership development.

UGA Student-Athlete Highlights:

• CJ Allen, a Barnesville, Georgia, native, is a standout linebacker for the Bulldogs. A member of the UGA Athletic Association’s Student-Athlete Leadership Academy (LEAD), Allen finished second on the team in tackles last season with 76. He was recently selected to represent Georgia at SEC Media Days.
• Blue Cain, a rising junior guard from Knoxville, Tennessee, has started 42 games in his Georgia career. A key contributor during the Bulldogs’ NIT semifinal run in 2024 and NCAA Tournament appearance in 2025, Cain also leads academically, having earned SEC Academic Honor Roll recognition in both 2024 and 2025.
• Savannah Henderson, entering her third season, has proven to be a sharp-shooter for the women’s basketball team. The Orlando, Florida, native made 11 three-pointers during her redshirt-freshman campaign and earned placement on the SEC Academic Honor Roll.
• Destin Howard, a senior pitcher from Macon, Georgia, has appeared in 35 games for Georgia softball. Off the field, she served as SAAC President in 2024-25, earned the Clifford Lewis Leadership Award, and was named to the SEC Softball Community Service Team.
• Ryan Olree, a distance runner from Denver, Colorado, has made his mark on the track and in cross country. He holds the school record in the 10,000 meters, earned All-Region honors at the 2024 NCAA South Regional, and has consistently contributed to Georgia's SAAC and LEAD programs.

These five student-athletes exemplify the University of Georgia’s commitment to academic excellence, athletic performance, and leadership development both on and off the field.

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-- By Robert Douglass

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