UNITY ATHLETIC GROUP GRANT
The grant is intended to help student athletes pay for club sports fees, sport specific strength and conditioning training, and/or any sport related expenses. We love to see student athletes represent the District of Columbia in an outstanding way.
kendal lacey
Alice Deal Middle School (Volleyball)
Sports have always been an important part of my life. Since I was a baby I grew up with my Sundays dedicated to football (Go Commanders!). I also have played a lot of different sports growing up, but when I started volleyball in middle school, everything changed. I joined the team to stay active during the fall, but I ended up falling in love with the sport. Now, I am in my second year of club volleyball, and I can not imagine life without it!
One of the biggest things volleyball has taught me is that if I put my mind to something and really work hard at it, I can achieve anything. Over the past two years, I have improved tremendously, and it makes me excited to see how much more I can grow. Right now, one of my biggest goals is to increase my vertical jump so I can spike the ball better and help my team more. Every little improvement I see in my skills reminds me that hard work pays off!
I also know how lucky I am to get the chance to play club volleyball. Not everyone gets this opportunity, and I am so grateful for it. Volleyball isn’t just a sport for me - it has taught me about teamwork, dedication, and pushing myself to do better.
One of my long term goals is to play college volleyball at a D1 school, and while my ultimate dream would be to play professionally, I know that is not something many people get to do. That is why I want to make sure that I can use volleyball to help me get into a great school, where I can work toward a career that I love. No matter what happens, I will always have the lessons volleyball has taught me to help me along the way.
TEGAN PRIMUS
State-Hobson Middle School (Basketball)
articipating in athletics has had a huge impact on my life. It has taught me discipline, responsibility and time management. Balancing schoolwork with practice and games hasn’t always been easy, but it’s made me more focused and organized. I’ve also learned how to work with others as a team and how to handle both success and failure with respect and maturity.
Athletics has helped me become more confident, not just on the court, but also in the classroom and in my social life. Being part of a team has created friendships and memories I’ll never forget and it's shown me how important hard work, discipline, consistency and having a great attitude are in achieving goals.
I really take pride in being a dominant post player. I’ve worked really hard to become strong in the paint—whether it’s scoring with my back to the basket, grabbing rebounds or playing lock down defense. As I look ahead, I know this is just the beginning of my journey.
My first goal is to make an immediate impact in high school. I want to start on varsity, be a force inside, and help lead my team to another WCAC championship. I’m focused on improving my footwork, becoming more consistent from mid-range and being a better passer when the double-team comes. I also want to continue to be a leader, someone my teammates can count on, both in the game and off the court.
My long term goals in basketball are to earn several Division ’I scholarships and go to a program where I can grow, compete at the highest level and keep developing as a complete player. I’d love to play professionally one day in the WNBA but until that day comes I will continue to stay humble and keep working on my craft.
Jayden BOUBE
Walkersville Middle School (Basketball)
What Basketball Means To Me
Basketball has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. My older brother played, so I was always around the game. I started training at Zone24 when I was six, and that's where I really began to understand the game. I remember practicing dribbling, shooting, and playing defense, and it was there that I realized this was the sport for me. As I got older, I played recreational basketball, which helped me improve even more. Now, I play for my school's JV basketball team, and the sport continues to shape my life in many ways.
One of the biggest lessons basketball has taught me is the importance of hard work and dedication. From the beginning, I learned that if I wanted to get better and make it to the league, I had to practice harder and consistently. Whether it was working on my dribbling, improving my form, or getting faster on defense, there was always something to work on. Every time I practiced I could see improvements, and that made me realize that hard work really pays off.
Even when things don't go perfectly in practice or in a game, I've learned to keep pushing and try my best.
Another important lesson basketball has taught me is the importance of teamwork.
Basketball is a team sport, so it's not just about being good yourself. It's about unity because we win and lose as a team. I've realized how important it is to communicate with my teammates, whether it's calling for a pass or calling out a screen. When I'm on the court I know I can rely on my teammates, and they can rely on me.
Basketball has also helped me grow as a person. It's given me confidence, discipline, and the ability to handle challenges. Dealing with a tough loss or figuring out how to improve a skill, basketball has taught me to stay focused and keep a positive attitude. It's not just about winning games; it's about learning from every experience and growing along the way. Basketball isn't just a sport to me; it's a safe space. When I'm having a bad day or just need some time to think, I can grab a ball, shoot around, and play my game. I enjoy that time because it helps me clear my mind and focus on something I love. The lessons I've learned on the court will stay with me as I grow and help guide me on the right path to reaching the NBA.
Katie MITCHELL
Rockville MDD(Volleyball)
Katie is a 14 year old student-athlete from Rockville, Maryland. The youngest of 4. Katie’s goals are to “play NCAA Division 1 volleyball and hopefully professionally after that!”
“Athletics are important to me because they challenge me mentally and physically. As a volleyball player. I have learned responsibility. As a captain this season. I have also had the opportunity to work on my leadership skills."
quintin cooper
Coolidge High School (Mens Basketball)
Growing up I didn’t have much interest in playing College basketball. I was simply enjoying myself and was fortunate to play at an high level. I have a long journey of ups and downs There have been many ups and downs on this journey including Covid during my 8th grade year amongst other hurdles. It took a while for me to get back to myself but I saw the light at the end of the tunnel. I had to work on losing weight while also focusing on my goals tremendously. After entering high school I made a commitment to get back to myself. I felt I had a ton to prove. I rose to the occasion by enhancing my basketball skills and academics. I accepted my initial offer to Hampton University. During my senior year I am focused on winning the City Title. I’m staying on my journey while paving a beautiful road to success! Growing up I didn’t have much interest in playing College basketball. I was simply enjoying myself and was fortunate to play at an high level. I have a long journey of ups and downs There have been many ups and downs on this journey including Covid during my 8th grade year amongst other hurdles. It took a while for me to get back to myself but I saw the light at the end of the tunnel. I had to work on losing weight while also focusing on my goals tremendously. After entering high school I made a commitment to get back to myself. I felt I had a ton to prove. I rose to the occasion by enhancing my basketball skills and academics. I accepted my initial offer to Hampton University. During my senior year I am focused on winning the City Title. I’m staying on my journey while paving a beautiful road to success!
