UGA Athletes C.J. Byrd and Nick Cassini Honored at the 2024 Arch Award

On October 15, 2024, the University of Georgia Athletic Association, in collaboration with The Piedmont Bank, celebrated the achievements of former athletes C.J. Byrd and Nick Cassini by awarding them the Arch Award. This recognition is part of an initiative to honor athletes who have successfully transitioned from sports to impactful careers in business. The award aims to provide role models for current student-athletes, emphasizing the importance of education and business acumen in their future endeavors. C.J. Byrd, who earned both an undergraduate and a master's degree in business, played football at the University of Georgia, starting all games during his junior and senior years. His career at Chick-fil-A began in 2014 through a temporary role in their Leadership Development Program, and he has since advanced to a Senior Principal Lead position, where he supports new restaurant owners and operators. Nick Cassini, a distinguished golfer and former SEC Player of the Year, has made significant strides in the business world as well. He is a partner at Cassini Holdings Inc. and co-founded The Rose, a private golf club, alongside notable golfers. His achievements reflect the potential for athletes to excel in business after their sports careers. The Arch Award serves as a reminder of the valuable lessons learned through athletics and the importance of applying those lessons in the business realm. It encourages student-athletes to consider their futures beyond sports, fostering a culture of success in various fields.