

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.

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."
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.
Thank you for considering me for this grant. It would be extremely helpful as I work to improve my skill and chase my goals and dreams.”
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.
Thank you for considering me for this grant. It would be extremely helpful as I work to improve my skill and chase my goals and dreams.”

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!
