Nicholas J. Fillmore Opportunity Scholarship

Sports have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I started playing football when I was six years old, and what began as just having fun turned into something much bigger. Football taught me discipline, teamwork, and how to push myself even when things get hard. When I was ten, I decided to try lacrosse, not really knowing how much it would shape me as a person. Balancing both football and lacrosse at a high level has also taught me how to manage my time, stay mentally focused, and consistently give my full effort, no matter the season or situation. Being a dual-sport athlete has pushed me to stay disciplined academically as well, because I understand that success in sports means very little without success in the classroom. Football was where I first learned what it really means to be part of a team. I remember being younger and struggling to keep focused during practice. There were times I felt frustrated and wanted to quit, but I had players on the older team who didn’t let that happen. One of them stayed after practice with me, helping me understand plays and build confidence. That stuck with me. As I got older, I made it a point to be that same person for someone else. Whether it’s helping a younger player learn something new or just encouraging a teammate who’s having a rough day, I’ve always tried to make sure no one feels left out. Lacrosse was a different experience. A lot of the time, I was the only person of color on my team. At first, that wasn’t easy. There were moments when I felt like I didn’t fully fit in or wondered if I even belonged there. But instead of walking away, I kept showing up. I worked hard, stayed committed, and focused on being the best teammate and player I could be. My college journey has also taught me resilience in unexpected ways. I currently attended Anna Maria College as a dual-sport athlete playing both football and lacrosse, but when the school announced it would be closing, my future suddenly became uncertain. In a very short amount of time, I had to begin searching for a new college, reaching out to coaches, exploring academic programs, and figuring out where I would continue both my education and athletic career. While the situation was stressful, it forced me to grow. It taught me how to adapt, stay focused under pressure, and continue believing in myself even when things don’t go according to plan. Because of these experiences, I’ve learned how important it is to create spaces where people feel included and supported. I try to lead by being respectful, staying positive, and bringing people together. I’ve learned how to connect with different types of people and make sure everyone feels seen, whether it’s on the field or off. As I continue my journey as a college student-athlete, I want to keep building on that. College has given me the chance to meet new people, learn new perspectives, and grow as both a student and an athlete. Looking ahead, I plan to carry these lessons with me into whatever I do. Whether it’s through coaching, mentoring, or giving back to my community, I want to continue building environments where everyone feels like they belong. For me, this isn’t just about sports. It’s about showing up, staying consistent, overcoming adversity, and making sure that no one feels like they have to stand alone.