My inspiration to pursue a career in sports comes from the years I spent living the life of an NCAA athlete. Basketball has been part of my identity since I was fourteen years old, and it carried me all the way through college. The early morning practices, the long workouts, the team bus rides, and the pressure of game days shaped me in ways that went far beyond the court. Sports became the place where I learned discipline, leadership, and resilience. Those experiences helped me understand how powerful sports can be in shaping a person’s character and future. What pushed me toward sports marketing was realizing how much impact storytelling and branding have on the way people connect with teams and athletes. As a player, I saw how a single highlight video, a community event, or a well designed campaign could change the atmosphere around a program. I felt the energy of walking into a gym filled with fans who believed in us, and I understood that the connection they felt came from more than just the game. It came from the identity and culture that had been built around the team. That realization made me want to be part of the work that creates those moments. My passion for sports has also grown through coaching. I currently coach basketball at the local recreation center twice a week, along with weekend games. Working with young athletes has shown me how much influence sports can have on confidence, teamwork, and personal growth. Coaching has allowed me to give back to the game that shaped me, and it has taught me how to communicate, motivate, and lead in a different way. Seeing kids develop their skills and find joy in the sport reminds me why I love this field and why I want to build a career in it. As a marketing major, I am learning how strategy, creativity, and communication come together to build a brand. As an athlete and coach, I understand the emotional side of sports and the responsibility that comes with representing something bigger than yourself. I want to bring both perspectives into my career. My goal is to help athletes and teams tell their stories in ways that feel real and meaningful, and to support student athletes who are navigating opportunities like NIL. Sports shaped my life, and now I want to help shape how others experience the game. I hope to bring authenticity, passion, and purpose to everything I do in the sports industry.

My name is Tony, and I’m a student at California State University, Northridge, majoring in marketing and playing for the CSUN club basketball team. I come from a family of five — I’m the middle child, with an older sister and a younger brother. I live full-time with my mom, who has been my rock and my greatest source of support. She’s raised us with strength, compassion, and consistency, even when life threw us challenges that felt bigger than us. One of those challenges has been growing up with a father who struggles with alcoholism. His addiction led to my parents’ divorce and created a lot of emotional instability in our home. While he’s still alive, his disease has kept him distant physically and emotionally. I’ve had to learn how to cope with that absence, how to separate the person from the illness, and how to move forward without the kind of fatherly guidance I once hoped for. It’s been painful, but it’s also taught me resilience. At 17, I made the decision to leave home and move across the country to attend the University of Saint Joseph in Connecticut. I spent my first two years there playing college basketball and learning how to stand on my own. It was a huge leap emotionally, financially, and mentally but it gave me space to grow. Basketball kept me focused. It gave me structure, discipline, and a sense of belonging. It helped me manage my anxiety and reminded me that I could build something for myself, even when things felt uncertain. I was also diagnosed with ADHD my first year in college, which added to my challenges, but I have learned to work through it and manage it through therapy and medication. Now at CSUN, I’m continuing my education and staying connected to the game I love. I also coach youth basketball at the local recreation center, mentoring kids and helping them build confidence both on and off the court. It’s my way of giving back and being the kind of role model I wish I had more of growing up. Through my education, I plan to make a difference by creating community programs, mentoring youth, and using marketing to tell stories that matter. I want to help others rise especially those who’ve faced instability at home and show them that their past doesn’t define their future. I believe every challenge is just a way to navigate life, and sometimes with very positive outcomes.

My name is Tony, and I’ve been a student athlete my entire academic career, since I was eight years old. Now I'm a collegiate student-athlete currently pursuing a degree in marketing at California State University, Northridge (CSUN). I play for the CSUN club basketball team, where I continue to find a strong sense of community, discipline, and leadership. Before transferring to CSUN, I attended the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) in Connecticut, where I was part of their NCAA basketball program, where I also began balancing academics and athletics while learning how to advocate for myself both on and off the court. I was diagnosed with ADHD in 2023, which has shaped how I approach learning, organization, and communication. It’s not always easy, but it’s taught me how to build systems that work for me, how to stay focused under pressure, and how to turn challenges into strengths. My experience with ADHD has made me more creative, more empathetic, and more determined to succeed on my own terms. Outside of school, I work at the local recreation center coaching youth basketball. It’s one of the most rewarding parts of my week. I get to mentor young kids, teach them the fundamentals of the game, and help them build confidence both on and off the court. Coaching has helped me grow as a leader and reminded me why I fell in love with basketball in the first place, not just for the competition, but for the community feel. My family has always been my foundation. My mom, has shown me what it means to advocate for others and lead with integrity. She’s been a constant source of support and inspiration, especially as I’ve navigated transitions between schools, sports, and personal growth. I plan to use my marketing degree to build a career that blends creativity, strategy, and community impact. Whether I’m working in sports, public service, or business, I want to help people connect with ideas that matter. I also hope to continue mentoring youth through coaching, outreach, or leadership programs and to be someone who helps others find their strengths and passion no matter the obstacles they face. Whether I’m in the classroom, on the court, or at the rec center, I strive to show up with purpose, humility, and a deep respect for the people around me. My journey is still unfolding, and I’m excited for what’s next. Thank you for this opportunity

In 2022, I was diagnosed with ADHD, and that moment changed everything for me. For years, I struggled with focus, organization, and keeping up in school, but I never understood why. I thought I just wasn’t trying hard enough or that something was wrong with me. The diagnosis was both scary and eye-opening—it finally gave me answers to the challenges I had faced for so long. When I started college, those struggles became even more obvious. I quickly realized that I couldn’t do it all on my own. I was overwhelmed, falling behind, and ended up on academic probation with a 1.9 GPA. It was a low point, but it also pushed me to seek help. I began working with doctors, started the right medication, and learned how to use campus resources like tutoring and academic support. I had to accept that needing help wasn’t a weakness—it was a step toward growth. With the right support, I was able to turn things around. My GPA rose from 1.9 to 3.2, and I’m proud to say I’m no longer on probation. That change felt like a miracle to me. For the first time, I could truly focus, understand what I was learning, and keep up with my responsibilities. I’m still learning every day, but now I feel confident and capable. On top of my academics, I’m also a college basketball athlete. Balancing school and sports has taught me discipline, time management, and resilience. Basketball has always been my outlet, my motivation, and my passion. It keeps me grounded and reminds me of the importance of teamwork and perseverance—values I now apply to my education as well. I’m pursuing higher education because I want to prove to myself and others that a learning disability doesn’t define your future. I’ve come a long way, and I know I have even more to give. I believe I’m a strong candidate for this scholarship because I’ve shown determination, growth, and the ability to overcome obstacles. I’m not just working toward a degree—I’m building a life that reflects strength, purpose, and hope. This scholarship would help me continue that journey and show others with learning disabilities that success is possible. I’m ready to keep pushing forward and make the most of every opportunity.This journey has taught me resilience, self-belief, and the power of asking for help lessons I’ll carry with me forever. I want to give hope to others too

I am a college basketball athlete who has been deeply connected to sports since I was a child. Growing up, my local recreation center was like a second home. It was where I learned the fundamentals of basketball, built friendships, and discovered the values of discipline, teamwork, and commitment. Sports have shaped me into the person I am today not just as an athlete, but as a student and a leader. Now, I have the opportunity to give back to the same kind of environment that helped raise me. On weekends, I work as a youth basketball coach at my local recreation center. Coaching kids has become one of the most rewarding parts of my life. I teach them the importance of hard work, focus, and consistency not just in basketball, but in everything they do. I help them understand that success comes from effort and that showing up with a positive attitude matters just as much as talent. Working with young athletes brings back so many memories of when I was in their shoes. I know what it feels like to be unsure, to struggle with confidence, and to dream big without knowing where to start. That’s why I make it a priority to connect with each kid, not just as a coach, but as someone who truly understands their journey. I want them to see that with dedication and belief in themselves, they can achieve great things on and off the court. Through youth sports, I plan to make a lasting impact in my community by creating a space where kids feel supported, challenged, and inspired. I want to help build a culture of respect, growth, and opportunity. Whether it’s teaching a new skill, encouraging a shy player to speak up, or celebrating a team’s progress, I believe every moment counts. My goal is to continue coaching, mentoring, and eventually expanding programs that give more kids access to sports, especially those who may not have the resources. Sports changed my life, and I want to be part of changing someone else’s. By investing in the youth of my community, I’m helping build stronger individuals and a stronger future. I believe that every child deserves a mentor who sees their potential and helps them grow. Through coaching, I want to be that person—someone who encourages, listens, and leads by example. My goal is to keep showing up for these kids, just like others once showed up for me, and help build a stronger, more confident generation through sports

I am getting into sales and marketing because I have always loved sports, especially basketball. As an athlete, I have spent a lot of time playing, watching, and learning about the game. Sports have taught me how to work hard, stay focused, and be part of a team. But I also enjoy being creative and coming up with new ideas, which is why I am interested in marketing, especially in the sports world. Marketing is a great way to combine my love for sports with my creative side. I like thinking of fun ideas, designing things, and finding ways to get people excited about something. In sports marketing, I could help promote teams, players, or events in ways that connect with fans and make them feel involved. I want to help tell the stories behind the game, like what makes a team special, what drives an athlete, and how sports bring people together. My passion comes from wanting to stay close to the sports world, even if I am not playing forever. I know how much sports can inspire people, and I want to be part of that. Whether it is through social media, ads, or events, I want to help others feel the same excitement I feel when I am on the court or watching a big game. Marketing lets me be creative while also helping people connect with something they care about. I am also motivated by the chance to grow and learn. Marketing is always changing, and I like the idea of being in a field where I can keep improving and trying new things. I want to learn how to understand people better, what they like, what grabs their attention, and how to reach them in smart ways. I think my background in sports gives me a good start because I know what it is like to be part of a team and to work toward a goal. I believe that combining my experience as an athlete with my creative thinking will help me bring fresh ideas to the sports marketing world. I am ready to work hard, learn from others, and take every opportunity to grow in this field. With the support of this scholarship, I can continue to pursue my passion by finishing my education and learning more as I seek an internship in marketing as well. This is my next step as well.

Living with ADHD has shaped every part of my journey, from struggles in school to navigating relationships and thinking about my future. Growing up, I had a hard time focusing in class and keeping track of assignments. ADHD often left me frustrated because I knew I was capable, yet I couldn't meet the expectations placed on me. This led to feelings of self-doubt, but it also pushed me to find creative ways to stay on track, develop strategies, and persevere through challenges. Basketball became my outlet in the midst of these struggles. It provided structure and discipline when my mind felt chaotic, and the court was a place where I could focus and clear my head. Through basketball, I learned the value of teamwork and perseverance, as well as the importance of embracing strengths while working on weaknesses. The sport not only helped me manage the challenges of ADHD but also became a driving force in my life, teaching me to stay grounded and work hard toward my goals. As I’ve grown older, ADHD has continued to affect my relationships. At times, my racing thoughts make it hard to stay fully present during conversations, which has led to misunderstandings and frustration with the people I care about. These challenges have taught me to communicate openly about my struggles and listen better. Being honest about my experiences has strengthened my connections with others and helped me appreciate the value of patience, understanding, and empathy in relationships. When it comes to career aspirations, ADHD has given me a unique set of skills. While it brings challenges, it has also taught me to think creatively, focus intensely on things I’m passionate about, and approach problems from fresh angles. These strengths inspire me to pursue a career where I can make a difference, support others, and use my experiences to create positive change. In the end, my journey with ADHD has taught me resilience and self-awareness. Basketball continues to be my anchor, helping me stay balanced while chasing my dreams. The lessons I’ve learned from my struggles and successes have shaped how I view myself, the world, and the kind of person I strive to be. ADHD is part of who I am. Im Ok with it now, Im open about it and I try to learn from it everyday. There is so much on social media about ADHD, its really normalizing it and I really appreciate that

My name is Tony Acevedo, and I’m an undergraduate student currently studying on the East Coast. Moving so far away from my family in California has been a big adjustment, but it’s also helped me grow in ways I never expected. Between earning my degree and being a student-athlete, I’ve come to understand how my Hispanic roots have shaped how I view the world around me. My grandparents come from two distinct places in Mexico: Mexicali, Baja California, and Jerez, Zacatecas. I’ve been lucky enough to visit both towns and explore their unique cultures. Walking through the same streets my grandparents grew up on gave me a better understanding of their lives, their values, and their way of living. It was eye-opening to see how much importance they place on family, community, and tradition. These experiences showed me a lifestyle that feels simpler but, in many ways, richer than what I’ve been used to growing up in California. Before I visited Mexico, I didn’t pay much attention to anything outside of my own world—what was happening to me, what I wanted, and how I felt. Spending time in my grandparents’ hometowns changed that. Watching how they and others live humbly and embrace the little joys in life made me realize there’s more to success than just personal achievement. Their ranch-style way of living taught me that balance, community, and gratitude make life more fulfilling. Basketball has always been a huge part of who I am. As a student-athlete, I’ve learned discipline and teamwork, but my cultural heritage has added a deeper layer to how I approach the game. My roots remind me to stay grounded whether I win or lose and to recognize the sacrifices my family made so I could chase my dreams. Playing on the East Coast, far from home, has made me even more appreciative of their support. I appreciate that Im the only Hispanic on the team and I believe my teammates also enjoy getting to know me and enjoy my grandmother's burritos when she sends me some. Overall, my Hispanic background has given me a unique outlook on life. It’s taught me the value of staying humble while striving for my goals and staying connected to my family and culture no matter where I am. These lessons have shaped not just how I see the world, but also how I carry myself through it, both on and off the basketball court.

my name is Tony, and I'm a sophomore in college I'm student, athlete and someone with ADHD. My life hasnt been easy, but its shaped me into the person I am today. Growing up with divorced parents was my stress and anxiety adding to my ADHD but my mom did her best to support me and still does, always pushing me to work harder and never give up, even when things felt overwhelming. Many times it does feel overwhelming, because I left my family in California to go to college across the nation in Connecticut. I miss them a lot, but I know this journey Im on will be well worth it. Living with ADHD has been one of my biggest challenges. Focusing in school was never easy for me, and I used to get frustrated when I couldnt finish assignments as quickly as everyone else or understand what the teachers where trying to explain. It felt like no matter how hard I tried, I always had to work twice as hard to keep up. Over time, I learned how to manage my ADHD with the help of medication, therapy, and a lot of mental strength. Basketball has always been my escape. Being on the court helps me focus and feel like I belong. Its where I can let go of everything else and just play. But its also taught me a lot about life especially how to manage my time, work as a team, and stay disciplined. I'm also 6'11" ft, which definitely helps, but Ive realized that being good at basketball isnt just about physical skills. Its about mental toughness and showing up every day ready to put in the work, even when its hard. I have days when I struggle mentally to show up, but I will push myself to have the right mindset and be productive for my games and practices My future plans are to continue playing the game I love and to hopefully make a career out of it. If playing basketball doesn't work out, I definitely want to work in the field of sports. Im currently majoring in Sport Management, to maybe working sport marketing or as a sports agent, that would be my ideal job. I have a 3.4 GPA and although I push myself very hard to maintain this GPA , Its rewarding to see that I can do it balancing my sport, school and ADHD.

My father is Tony Acevedo and he's been in Law enforcement for over 25 years. I'm Tony Acevedo and I'm a student athlete with ADD playing basketball. The reason I mention my ADHD is because it has shaped me and challenged me my entire life, and has helped me build resilience, perseverance, and determination. I have also learned to build leadership and communication skills both on and off the court to help me succeed. I currently play basketball for the University of St Joseph's and it hasn't been easy for me to get here, even at my stature. I have had challenges since early childhood with my academics and communication skills. Throughout the years and as I got older, I realized that I had to work much harder than my peers, I had to figure out ways to stay on top of my academics and my sport to be able to go to college and play basketball in college. I had to learn to be my own leader, because I didn't want anyone to know about my disability, so I wouldn't be judged or excluded. I did this by really pushing myself through tutoring, after school resources, and also pushing my body at the gym and making myself stronger mentally and physically. As much as I wanted to give up at times, I reminded myself this was the only way to get through the challenges and I didn't want to quit on my goals. I was resilient in navigating my challenges by eventually communicating my difficulties so I could get the proper resources to assist me in navigating my challenges, especially when I started college and became overwhelmed in balancing my academics and sports. It has helped me immensely now that I am more open to this. I have also been an instrumental part of my team and work really hard in keeping my grades up so I dont let me coaches or team down, which I believe shows an act of selflessness. Also, knowing how much my mom has worked to allow me the experiences of college is a big reason why I try so hard, even when i feel i cant. My focus and determination show daily. I moved from my home in California across the nation to Connecticut to attend college. This was the hardest move for me, away from my family and friends. I no longer had my mom to guide me and help me not forget tasks. She was instrumental in making sure I kept on top of all my Dr. appts, my school, and my daily tasks, But I was willing to move across the nation, to reach my goals. I had to quickly learn a new away to overcome my ADD challenges, I make sure I calendar all my upcoming tests, make sure I attend all my tutoring sessions, show up to class on time, and turn in assignments in a timely manner. I show up to all my workouts on time and listen to what my teammates and coaches as of me. We are a team and if I let myself down, I let everyone else down. My strong work ethic was evident over the summer in California, where I worked on my basketball training while juggling two jobs. I worked at my local recreational center as a basketball coach and a retail shop selling shoes. On weekends I trained for basketball to be ready for my next season. My ADD challenges will always be a part of me, but my passion for basketball and 3.4 GPA is what I focus on.

My name is Tony Acevedo, I was diagnosed with ADHD in 4th grade ( age 10) , but I wasn’t told about my disability until this year, 2023 at the age of 17. I stand 6’10” in height and have been tall all my life. Lucky for me I also fell in love with the sport of basketball, and I have been playing since I was 8 years old. I do believe that basketball although fast-paced, helped me cope and learn to deal with my ADHD, without knowing I had it. But, I always had trouble remembering game plays, and practices, and I could see my coaches' frustration, during games and didn’t know why, my coaches didn’t know about ADHD, I didn’t at that time know about ADHD and how it affects my sport, I just play the best I can. My struggles in school were just the same, I didn’t know when we were having tests, I didn’t know when assignments were due, and I would be taught a math lesson and forget how to do it minutes later. I always remember my mom crying sometimes in frustration when I would forget things, school projects, school essays, and just anything that was important. She hired so many tutors to help me get through math and they did help, but I still struggled. In my last two years of High School, I played on my varsity basketball team and I did very well, I could see myself improving. During the last couple summers, my mom enrolled me in travel ball, which means we would travel locally and play more competitive teams. During one of these travel tournaments, I was approached by a scout for prep schools. I didn’t know what a prep school was and neither did my mom, so we didn’t follow up on it. But they called and my mom spoke to them and they told us a prep school ( boarding school) to continue one additional year of high school would be ideal for me and they had a school that wanted me and would offer me a scholarship. The only concern? It meant leaving home in California and going across the nation to Massachusetts! I had never been away from home, my mom was instrumental in guiding me through high school, helping me remember assignments, and remembering basketball practice days. tests and anything else that needed to be done, so the thought of leaving all I know and my mom having a hard time with the thought of me leaving, was a bit nerve-wracking. I have been here in Massachusetts for a year now and I have online therapy sessions, which my mom worked so hard in getting approved since her insurance would only cover me in California. I also take a holistic approach to help me focus, by doing yoga once a week and taking a cocktail of vitamins to help me with my ADHD. Basketball keeps me positive, it keeps me going and I know I need to stay on top of my academics so I can play. Basketball has been my outlet. Basketball helps me feel better about my learning disability because I know I struggle, but I am still a great basketball player. It motivates me, it encourages me to better myself every day. it's my emotional medicine. I plan to study Kinensiology to also understand the body and help those that struggle the way i have but can learn skills to help them cope. I appreciate taking care of my body and my mind, with a more holistic approach

My name is Tony Acevedo, I was diagnosed with ADHD in 4th grade ( age 10) , but I wasn’t told about my disability until this year, 2023 at the age of 17. I stand 6’10” in height and have been tall all my life. Lucky for me I also fell in love with the sport of basketball, and I have been playing since I was 8 years old. I do believe that basketball although fast-paced, helped me cope and learn to deal with my ADHD, without knowing I had it. But, I always had trouble remembering game plays, and practices, and I could see my coaches' frustration, during games and didn’t know why, my coaches didn’t know about ADHD, I didn’t at that time know about ADHD and how it affects my sport, I just play the best I can. My struggles in school were just the same, I didn’t know when we were having tests, I didn’t know when assignments were due, and I would be taught a math lesson and forget how to do it minutes later. I always remember my mom crying sometimes in frustration when I would forget things, school projects, school essays, and just anything that was important. She hired so many tutors to help me get through math and they did help, but I still struggled. In my last two years of High School, I played on my varsity basketball team and I did very well, I could see myself improving. During the last couple summers, my mom enrolled me in travel ball, which means we would travel locally and play more competitive teams. During one of these travel tournaments, I was approached by a scout for prep schools. I didn’t know what a prep school was and neither did my mom, so we didn’t follow up on it. But they called and my mom spoke to them and they told us a prep school ( boarding school) to continue one additional year of high school would be ideal for me and they had a school that wanted me and would offer me a scholarship. The only concern? It meant leaving home in California and going across the nation to Massachusetts! I had never been away from home, my mom was instrumental in guiding me through high school, helping me remember assignments, and remembering basketball practice days. tests and anything else that needed to be done, so the thought of leaving all I know and my mom having a hard time with the thought of me leaving, was a bit nerve-wracking. I have been here in Massachusetts for a year now and I have online therapy sessions, which my mom worked so hard in getting approved since her insurance would only cover me in California. I also take a holistic approach to help me focus, by doing yoga once a week and taking a cocktail of vitamins to help me with my ADHD. Basketball keeps me positive, it keeps me going and I know I need to stay on top of my academics so I can play. Basketball has been my outlet. Basketball helps me feel better about my learning disability because I know I struggle, but I am still a great basketball player. It motivates me, it encourages me to better myself every day. it's my emotional medicine. I plan to study Kinesiology to also understand the body and help those that struggle the way i have but can learn skills to help them cope. I appreciate taking care of my body and my mind, with a more holistic approach

My name is Tony Acevedo, I was diagnosed with ADHD in 4th grade ( age 10) , but I wasn’t told about my disability until this year, 2022 at the age of 17. I live with my mom and my siblings and my mom has truly been my biggest advocate and supporter as we navigated this world of ADHD. I don't think my mom truly knew what was going on and she tried her best to stay positive and patient with me. She guided me through so much and always looked for the best resources to help me get by at school and at home. My mom was always making sure I knew my daily tasks and would use a whiteboard every day to list all my tasks, showering, homework, practice, upcoming tests, and the days I had to study for the tests. She would access the school portal to make sure I wouldn't miss deadlines and would list them on the whiteboard EVERY DAY. I know it was a lot of work, i could at times see the frustration and worry in her when she knew I had tests coming up that I would likely fail, because no matter how hard I studied, no matter how many tutors she hired ( online and in person) I was still not passing tests. I stand 6’10” in height and have been tall all my life. Lucky for me I also fell in love with the sport of basketball, and I have been playing since I was 8 years old. I do believe that basketball although fast-paced, helped me cope and learn to deal with my ADHD, without knowing I had it. But, I always had trouble remembering game plays, and practices, and I could see my coaches' frustration, during games and didn’t know why, my coaches didn’t know about ADHD, I didn’t at that time know about ADHD and how it affects my sport, I just play the best I can. My mom was instrumental in making sure I didn't miss a practice or game, and that I was always committed and consistent. She would drive anywhere I needed to to get the training and skill set I wanted in In my last two years of High School, I played on my varsity basketball team and I did very well, I could see myself improving. During the last couple of summers, my mom enrolled me in travel ball, which means we would travel locally and play more competitive teams. During one of these travel tournaments, I was approached by a scout for prep schools. I didn’t know what a prep school was and neither did my mom, so we didn’t follow up on it. But they called and my mom spoke to them and they told us a prep school ( boarding school) to continue one additional year of high school would be ideal for me and they had a school that wanted me and would offer me a scholarship. I I have been here in Massachusetts for a year now and I have online therapy sessions, which my mom worked so hard in getting approved since her insurance would only cover me in California. I also take a holistic approach to help me focus, by doing yoga once a week and taking a cocktail of vitamins to help me with my ADHD. Basketball keeps me positive, it keeps me going and I know I need to stay on top of my academics so I can play. Basketball has been my outlet

My name is Tony Acevedo, I was diagnosed with ADHD in 2022, at 17 yr old, but my mom said she always knew, she knew I struggled, she knew simple tasks were sometimes hard, and I sometimes questioned why I couldn't be at the same level as my peers, academically and athletically. I stand 6’10” in height and have been tall all my life. Lucky for me I also fell in love with the sport of basketball, and I have been playing since I was 8 years old. I do believe that basketball although fast-paced, helped me cope and learn to deal with my ADHD, without knowing I had it. I always had trouble remembering game plays, and practices, and I could see my coaches' frustration. My struggles in school were just the same, I couldn't remember anything I studied when I couldn't remember when assignments were due, and I always remember my mom crying sometimes in frustration She hired tutors to help me get through school, but I still struggled. In my last two years of High School, I played on my varsity basketball team and I did very well, I could see myself improving. During the last couple of summers, my mom enrolled me in travel ball, which means we would travel locally and play more competitive teams. During one of these travel tournaments, I was approached by a scout for prep schools. I didn’t know what a prep school was and neither did my mom, But they called and my mom spoke to them and they told us a prep school ( boarding school) to continue one additional year of high school would be ideal for me and they had a school that wanted me and would offer me a scholarship. I was 17 yrs old at this time and graduating earlier than my peers, so my mom thought the opportunity of an additional year of high school would be ideal for me, the only concern? With my recent ADHD diagnosis, It meant leaving home in California and going across the nation to Massachusetts! I had never been away from home, my mom was instrumental in guiding me through high school, helping me remember assignments, and remembering basketball practice days. The thought of leaving all I know and my mom having a hard time with the thought of me leaving was a bit nerve-wracking. In the end, we determined that my leaving would be a good start to see how I can manage, I have been here in Massachusetts for a year now and I have online behavioral therapy sessions. I have also chosen to take a holistic approach to help me focus, by doing yoga once a week and taking a cocktail of vitamins to help me with my ADHD. Basketball keeps me positive, it keeps me going and I know I need to stay on top of my academics so I can play. Basketball has been my outlet, the reason I have had this opportunity of attending a great boarding school away from home. Basketball helps me feel better about my learning disability because I know I struggle, but I am still a great basketball player. It motivates me, it encourages me to better myself every day. I want to pursue a career in professional basketball and kinesiology, to be able to help others like me understand their bodies and use sports as an outlet and this scholarship will help me achieve that.

My name is Tony Acevedo, I was diagnosed with ADHD in 2022, at 17 yr old, but my mom said she always knew, she knew I struggled, she knew simple tasks were sometimes hard, and I sometimes questioned why I couldn't be at the same level as my peers, academically and athletically. I stand 6’10” in height and have been tall all my life. Lucky for me I also fell in love with the sport of basketball, and I have been playing since I was 8 years old. I do believe that basketball although fast-paced, helped me cope and learn to deal with my ADHD, without knowing I had it. I always had trouble remembering game plays, and practices, and I could see my coaches' frustration. My struggles in school were just the same, I couldn't remember anything I studied when I couldn't remember when assignments were due, and I always remember my mom crying sometimes in frustration She hired tutors to help me get through school, but I still struggled. I left for Massachusetts for my last year of high school to play basketball which meant leaving home in California and going across the nation to Massachusetts! I had never been away from home, my mom was instrumental in guiding me through high school, helping me remember assignments, and remembering basketball practice days. The thought of leaving all I know and my mom having a hard time with the thought of me leaving was a bit nerve-wracking. I have been here in Massachusetts for a year now and I have online behavioral therapy sessions. I have also chosen to take a holistic approach to help me focus, by doing yoga once a week and taking a cocktail of vitamins to help me with my ADHD. My basketball season here has been a successful one and I’m currently being recruited by a couple of universities, which I am so grateful for. Basketball keeps me positive, it keeps me going and I know I need to stay on top of my academics so I can play. Basketball has been my outlet, the reason I have had this opportunity of attending a great boarding school away from home. Basketball helps me feel better about my learning disability because I know I struggle, but I am still a great basketball player. It motivates me, it encourages me to better myself every day. I want to pursue a career in professional basketball and kinesiology, to be able to help others like me understand their bodies and use sports as an outlet.

My name is Tony Acevedo, I was diagnosed with ADHD in 2022, at 17 yr old, but my mom said she always knew, she knew I struggled, she knew simple tasks were sometimes hard, and I sometimes questioned why I couldn't be at the same level as my peers, academically and athletically. I stand 6’10” in height and have been tall all my life. Lucky for me I also fell in love with the sport of basketball, and I have been playing since I was 8 years old. I do believe that basketball although fast-paced, helped me cope and learn to deal with my ADHD, without knowing I had it. I always had trouble remembering game plays, and practices, and I could see my coaches' frustration. My struggles in school were just the same, I couldn't remember anything I studied when I couldn't remember when assignments were due, and I always remember my mom crying sometimes in frustration She hired tutors to help me get through school, but I still struggled. In my last two years of High School, I played on my varsity basketball team and I did very well, I could see myself improving. During the last couple of summers, my mom enrolled me in travel ball, which means we would travel locally and play more competitive teams. During one of these travel tournaments, I was approached by a scout for prep schools. I didn’t know what a prep school was and neither did my mom, But they called and my mom spoke to them and they told us a prep school ( boarding school) to continue one additional year of high school would be ideal for me and they had a school that wanted me and would offer me a scholarship. I was 17 yrs old at this time and graduating earlier than my peers, so my mom thought the opportunity of an additional year of high school would be ideal for me, the only concern? With my recent ADHD diagnosis, It meant leaving home in California and going across the nation to Massachusetts! I had never been away from home, my mom was instrumental in guiding me through high school, helping me remember assignments, and remembering basketball practice days. The thought of leaving all I know and my mom having a hard time with the thought of me leaving was a bit nerve-wracking. In the end, we determined that my leaving would be a good start to see how I can manage, I have been here in Massachusetts for a year now and I have online behavioral therapy sessions. I have also chosen to take a holistic approach to help me focus, by doing yoga once a week and taking a cocktail of vitamins to help me with my ADHD. My basketball season here has been a successful one and I’m currently being recruited by a couple of universities, which I am so grateful for. Basketball keeps me positive, it keeps me going and I know I need to stay on top of my academics so I can play. Basketball has been my outlet, the reason I have had this opportunity of attending a great boarding school away from home. Basketball helps me feel better about my learning disability because I know I struggle, but I am still a great basketball player. It motivates me, it encourages me to better myself every day. I want to pursue a career in professional basketball and kinesiology, to be able to help others like me understand their bodies and use sports as an outlet.