Sports have always been more than a game to me. They have been a source of belonging, confidence, and identity. Growing up in Hobart, Indiana, a predominantly white town, I often struggled to find representation that reflected who I was as a biracial individual. I searched for role models in media who looked like me or shared my experiences, but that search was often unsuccessful. Over time, this lack of representation made me feel invisible. Sports, however, became the one space where I felt empowered and accepted regardless of my differences. As a student at Hobart High School, I became deeply involved in athletics and leadership roles across various clubs. These experiences taught me the value of teamwork, communication, and resilience, while also allowing me to connect with people from different backgrounds. On the field, identity was not defined by appearance, but by effort and commitment. Sports gave me confidence and showed me the power of shared goals to unite people. My passion for sports eventually expanded into an interest in marketing and media. I began to notice whose stories were being told and whose were missing. Too often, athletes from underrepresented communities, especially women and people of color, were overlooked or portrayed through limiting stereotypes. This realization inspired me to pursue a career in sports business marketing or management, where I can help change the narrative by amplifying diverse voices and stories. I believe sports have a unique ability to influence culture and create positive change. The stories shared through sports media shape how audiences view athletes and, more broadly, how they understand identity and belonging. By increasing diverse representation in sports marketing, we can challenge stereotypes, promote inclusivity, and inspire young people who are searching for role models they can relate to, just as I once did. My personal experiences have fueled my determination to be part of this change. I aspire to work for an organization that values authenticity and celebrates athletes from all backgrounds. By using marketing as a tool for representation, I hope to create campaigns that not only promote athletic achievement but also honor individuality and resilience. I want young athletes to feel seen, valued, and confident in who they are, both on and off the field. Beyond my career goals, I look forward to immersing myself in the diverse community of my college campus, where I can continue developing my interpersonal skills and cultural awareness. My leadership experiences in high school have prepared me to engage thoughtfully with others and contribute meaningfully to my community. Additionally, my cousin, who has overcome significant adversity to achieve her goals, has been a major inspiration in my life. Her dedication to helping others has reinforced the importance of purpose and perseverance in pursuing a meaningful career. Ultimately, what inspires me to pursue a career in sports is the sense of belonging it gave me when I needed it most. Through sports business marketing, I hope to make a difference by promoting inclusivity, uplifting underrepresented voices, and using the power of sports to bring people together. In doing so, I aim to create a future where everyone can see themselves reflected in the stories being told.

“Why is it always in that bun?” The question pierced my younger self. What sounded like harmless curiosity carried years of insecurity and quiet frustration. Each morning, as I pulled my curls tightly into a bun, I wasn’t just fixing my hair, I was concealing a part of my identity to fit into a world that didn’t reflect me. Growing up in Hobart, Indiana, I constantly searched for people who looked like me. I rarely found them. Straight hair surrounded me, silently reinforcing what was considered beautiful. My dad couldn’t relate, and my mom had what I believed I was supposed to want: straight, blonde hair that fit the standard. My older sister shared my texture, yet I watched her stand in front of the mirror each morning, the hiss of a flat iron filling the room as she tried to blend in. Seeing her taught me that fitting in often felt necessary for survival. And so, my curls stayed in a bun. At school, I tried to make myself smaller. I avoided attention, ashamed of the parts of myself that made me different. As a biracial individual in a predominantly white town, I felt caught between cultures, unsure of where I belonged. Something as simple as my hair became a daily reminder of that internal conflict. I didn’t know how to care for it, and I didn’t yet know how to care for myself. Sports became my outlet. Soccer was the one space where I felt seen for who I was rather than how I looked. On the field, my bun didn’t define me: my effort, discipline, and teamwork did. Through sports, I found confidence and belonging, and I began to recognize the powerful role representation plays in shaping identity. I noticed how few athletes who looked like me were highlighted in sports media, and how that absence mirrored the invisibility I felt growing up. These experiences shaped my personal goals. I aspire to build a career in sports marketing or management where I can help amplify diverse voices and challenge narrow standards of representation. By pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, I will gain the skills necessary to tell impactful stories, create inclusive campaigns, and advocate for athletes, particularly women and people of color, who have historically been overlooked. My educational journey will allow me to transform my lived experiences into purpose. Through coursework, collaboration, and immersion in a diverse college community, I plan to strengthen my cultural awareness, communication skills, and leadership abilities. College represents the space where I can finally loosen the bun, not just physically, but emotionally, by embracing my identity and using it as a source of strength rather than something to hide. Ultimately, my goal is to work within organizations that value authenticity and inclusivity, using marketing as a tool to foster connection and change. My journey through higher education is not just about achieving personal success, but about ensuring that others don’t have to search as hard as I did to feel seen. College is where I begin turning that question, “Why is it always in that bun?”, into a story of growth, representation, and purpose.

Seeing Dom Dolla at the music festival Lollapalooza is an experience I will always carry with me. I went for the music, but what truly left an impact was the people. Thousands of us stood together in the crowd dancing, singing, and letting the music take over. For a few hours, all the differences that usually divide people disappeared. Nobody cared where you came from, what you looked like, or what your story was. We were all just there to celebrate the music. It was the purest example I’ve ever seen of what EDM stands for: Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect. That atmosphere meant a lot to me because it was so different from the world I grew up in. As a kid, I lived in an area that wasn’t very diverse, and I often felt like I didn’t belong. Being mixed-race, I faced moments of discrimination that made me feel out of place in my own community. It’s hard to explain what it’s like to grow up constantly aware that you’re “different.” It made me question where I fit in and whether I would ever find spaces where I felt fully accepted. Standing in that crowd at Lollapalooza, I finally felt the opposite. Instead of being singled out, I felt part of something. Surrounded by strangers, I felt unity. No one was judging; everyone was just sharing in the same joy. It was the kind of acceptance I had long hoped for as a kid, and it showed me what real community could feel like. That night gave me more than good memories, it gave me clarity. It made me realize that what I want most in life is to help create spaces like that for other people. That’s why I’m so passionate about working in sports marketing. To me, sports and music share the same power. Both bring people together, no matter their background, and create communities built on passion, energy, and shared experiences. Walking into a stadium full of fans chanting for their team has the same magic as standing in a crowd at a festival. Both remind us that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. I want to dedicate my career to helping create those moments where people feel included, inspired, and connected. But for me, this goal goes even deeper. I want to be part of the change for little girls like me, who may be growing up feeling out of place or unseen. I want them to see themselves represented in the work I do, whether it’s in a campaign, an event, or a game-day experience. I want them to feel like they belong in those spaces, just as I felt in that crowd at Lollapalooza. Seeing Dom Dolla wasn’t just a concert for me, it was a turning point. It reminded me of what’s possible when people come together with love and respect, and it reaffirmed the kind of career I want to build. I want to carry that same energy into sports marketing by using my work to unite people and create experiences where everyone feels welcome. Because at the end of the day, what matters most isn’t just the music or the game—it’s the community it creates and the lasting impact it leaves behind.

My name is Addison Williams, and I am a freshman at the University of Central Florida majoring in marketing. I recently graduated from Hobart High School in Indiana, where I poured my energy into sports, leadership roles, and service projects. Growing up biracial in a predominantly white town, I often felt like I was searching for a reflection of myself that didn’t exist in the spaces I occupied. Whether in the media, on sports teams, or in leadership positions, I rarely saw women of color in the spotlight. That absence left me feeling invisible and it sparked a determination to become the representation I wished I had. Sports became my sanctuary. On the field, I wasn’t judged by my skin tone but by my work ethic, leadership, and commitment to the team. It was there that I first realized the power sports have to unite people across differences. That sense of unity inspired me to see sports not just as competition, but as a platform for change. In high school, I pushed myself academically through honors and dual credit courses. I built the discipline and organization that I now bring to every challenge. I also sought out opportunities to lead in ways that combined my passion for sports with my desire to serve. Organizing a charity sports tournament for my school was a defining moment; it showed me how athletics can bring people together for a greater purpose. Similarly, leading a clothing drive for underprivileged families revealed to me how collective effort can create lasting change. My renewed connection to my faith has also shaped the person I am today. Returning to church after years away gave me a sense of inner peace and a deeper understanding of empathy and compassion. It taught me that real leadership is about lifting others up and creating spaces where they can thrive. Looking ahead, I plan to use my marketing degree to work in the sports industry, in sports media and business, where I can advocate for diversity and inclusion. My goal is to amplify the stories of athletes from underrepresented backgrounds, particularly women and people of color, so that future generations see themselves reflected in the sports world. I want a young girl, sitting in a small town and wondering if her dreams matter, to look up and see someone who looks like her who's not just playing, but leading and succeeding. I am not simply pursuing a career; I am pursuing a mission. Through sports marketing, I will fight for representation, challenge stereotypes, and create a more inclusive industry where every athlete’s story has a place. That is the difference I intend to make.

My name is Addison Williams, and I’m a senior at Hobart High School. Throughout my high school journey, I’ve committed myself to excellence both inside and outside the classroom. With a GPA of 4.3, a strong involvement in sports, leadership in student organizations, and consistent volunteer work, I’ve worked hard to become someone my peers and younger students can look up to, just like Kalia D. Davis was to so many. As a student-athlete, I’ve participated in both soccer and tennis, where I’ve learned the value of teamwork, time management, and perseverance. These experiences have helped shape my character and taught me how to lead with kindness and determination. In addition to sports, I’ve served in leadership roles through clubs like Key Club, Business Professionals of America, and Confront the Climate Crisis, where I’ve engaged in community service projects that range from organizing school-wide drives to volunteering at local events and helping students during school functions. These opportunities have allowed me to give back to my community while also growing as a person. My passion lies in marketing and sports. I hope to pursue a career in sports business marketing or management, and I’d like to focus on promoting diversity and inclusion in media. Growing up biracial in a predominantly white town, I often struggled to find people around me and in the media who looked like me or shared my experiences. But through sports, I found a sense of belonging and empowerment. It made me realize how powerful representation can be and how sports can bring unity, change, and a sense of belonging. To increase my chances of success in this field, I’ve made the decision to attend college out of state. While this choice will offer more job opportunities, internships, and connections in the sports and marketing industries, it also comes with significantly higher costs for tuition, travel, and living expenses. This scholarship would help ease that financial burden and allow me to focus more fully on my education, personal growth, and community involvement. I want to work for companies that uplift underrepresented voices, particularly women and people of color, whose stories often go untold. My goal is to amplify those voices, challenge stereotypes, and create media that reflects the true diversity of our world. I am inspired by Kalia’s legacy, her drive, her dedication to excellence, and her ability to uplift those around her. Like her, I strive to be someone others can count on for support, for a good laugh, or for motivation to keep going. I’m committed to living out her values through my work ethic, my kindness, and my ambition to make a meaningful impact. Thank you for considering me for this honor. I hope to carry forward the Living, Loving, Laughing, Learning Legacy of Kalia D. Davis in all that I do.

My favorite athlete to cheer on from Team USA is Trinity Rodman, a forward for the Women's Soccer Team. From the moment I first watched her play, I was drawn to her unique style on the field. Trinity combines athleticism with a sharp strategic mind, and it's clear that every move she makes is deliberate and impactful. Her ability to read the game and create opportunities for her team shows her high level of intelligence and skill. What stands out the most about Trinity is the sheer joy she brings to the game. You can see that she loves what she does, and that passion is contagious. Whether she’s scoring goals or setting up a play, her excitement and energy make the game enjoyable to watch. I admire how she plays with such confidence, always looking for ways to elevate her team, yet never losing sight of her love for the sport. She’s a role model for perseverance, teamwork, and dedication. She serves as a good role model for young girls. Growing up and playing soccer myself, I enjoy seeing her, someone who looks like me, excelling in the sport and inspiring future generations. Cheering for Trinity Rodman is more than just rooting for a talented athlete; it’s about celebrating someone who brings heart and soul to every match. Her presence on the field reminds me of the power of passion and hard work in achieving success and being a role model for young girls across the nation.

If I had to pick a favorite song on the Brat album, it would be Guess. Not only is it fun and upbeat, but it explores deeper meanings that may not be noticed from the first listen. In life, uncertainty is inevitable—whether in relationships, personal aspirations, or the pursuit of knowledge. The song "Guess" by Charli XCX resonates deeply with me because it highlights the constant guessing and questioning we face when navigating both the complexities of human connections and our own internal growth. As Charli sings about trying to figure out someone's feelings, I’m reminded of how we often find ourselves in similar situations, questioning the path ahead and trying to make sense of the unknown. As I reflect on my own journey, I realize that embracing uncertainty is a crucial part of personal growth. Just as Charli XCX discusses on the ambiguity of relationships, I have encountered moments where I didn’t have all the answers—whether it was choosing a career path, adapting to new environments, or striving to understand my own identity. In these moments, I have learned to trust myself and embrace the process, knowing that the answers will come with time and experience. I will forever be a Brat fan.

My name is Addison Williams, a senior at Hobart High School, where I've been heavily involved in extracurricular activities such as sports and leadership roles in various clubs. Through my experiences, I've developed a passion for marketing and sports, which has inspired me to pursue a career in sports business marketing or management. I aim to use my skills to promote diversity and inclusiveness in the media, particularly by amplifying the voices and stories of underrepresented communities in sports. Growing up in a predominantly white town as a biracial individual, I often found myself searching for role models and representation in media that reflected my own experiences. This search was often fruitless, leaving me feeling invisible and unrepresented in the world around me. However, my love for sports provided a refuge where I could not only feel empowered but also find common ground with others regardless of our differences. Through sports, I recognized the unique potential they hold to bring people together and create positive change. It became clear to me that increasing diverse representation in sports media could have an effect on society as a whole by challenging stereotypes and fostering a greater sense of inclusivity and understanding. My personal experiences have fueled my determination to be a part of this change. I aspire to work for a company or organization that actively values and celebrates athletes from diverse backgrounds, particularly women and people of color who have historically been underrepresented in sports media. By amplifying the voices and stories of these individuals, I believe we can create a more inclusive and equitable society where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. In addition to my career goals, I also hope to immerse myself in the diverse community of my college campus and continue developing my interpersonal skills and cultural awareness. My leadership experiences in high school have prepared me for this journey and fueled my desire to make a positive impact on the world. My cousin, who has overcome significant adversity to achieve her own goals, has been a major inspiration in my life. Her dedication to helping others has shown me the importance of determination and purpose in pursuing one's dreams. With this in mind, I am eager to continue my education and develop the skills necessary to make a meaningful impact in the marketing industry and beyond. Ultimately, I believe that my passion for sports, leadership experiences, and commitment to promoting diversity will allow me to make a positive impact on the world through my future career in sports business marketing.