Three Iowa State Cyclone football players collaborate with the YSS Ambassador program to make a difference within the community and create hope during their time off the gridiron.
Redshirt junior quarterback Rocco Becht, junior tight end Benjamin Brahmer and redshirt junior tight end Gabe Burkle are the newest Cyclone athletes to sign on as YSS Ambassadors, in hopes of using their platforms to inspire youth across Iowa.
“[Becht], [Brahamer] and [Burkle] are not only leaders on the field, but they are also showing what it means to be role models off the field,” YSS President and CEO Andrew Allen said. “Their commitment to creating hope and opportunity with YSS sends a powerful message to young people across Iowa; that they are valued, supported and never alone.”
The YSS Ambassador program was established in 2022, along with the program’s first ambassador, former men’s basketball guard Gabe Kalscheur.
During Kalscheur’s time as an ambassador, he participated in volunteer activities, met with youth in YSS programs and made appearances at YSS fundraisers and events.
With its headquarters in Ames, YSS is one of Iowa’s oldest and largest youth-serving nonprofits, and hopes to utilize the organization as a way to collaborate with Iowa State student athletes.
Cyclone team captain Becht established a hefty title at Iowa State, where he led the Cyclones to an 11-3 record in the 2024 season, and led the team to four fourth-quarter comebacks, which tied for second most among Power 4 quarterbacks in 2024.
However, with all that has been accomplished on the field, Becht looks forward to making an impact elsewhere.
“I couldn’t wait to become a YSS Ambassador,” Becht said. “Because of the impact I’ll be able to have on the younger generation.”
In 2023, the YSS Ambassador program evolved to three student athletes: former Cyclone and current Texans wide receiver Jaylin Noel, former women’s basketball player Nyamer Diew and current senior guard Tamin Lipsey.
“I know how important mentorship and positive opportunities are,” Brahmer said. “I’m looking forward to using my platform to help YSS continue making a difference.”
According to YSS.org, the YSS Program empowers youth by providing education, counseling and stability. The program’s goal is to create a continuum of care. Together, their programs can give youth the tools they need to succeed throughout their entire lives.
The YSS Ambassador program creates opportunities for ambassadors to get involved in the community throughout the year, enabling them to use their influence to bring awareness to the organization’s mission and support local youth and families in need.
“Helping your community is very important,” Burkle said. “I’m excited to be able to do that through YSS.”
YSS provides addiction treatment, after-school and summer programs, counseling and therapy sessions, homeless youth services, mentoring, emergency shelters, supportive housing and so much more.
Becht, Brahmer and Burkle join Lipsey and women’s basketball guard Arianna Jackson for the 2025-26 Ambassador program, in hopes of creating hope and opportunities for thousands of youth and families across Iowa.
To contact YSS, call (515) 232 4YSS, or visit their website at yss.org.
