Beyond Sports Foundation Class of 2019 Well-Represented on Collegiate Field
HIGHLAND PARK, IL (Feb. 21, 2019) - Following the Feb. 6 Signing Day, Beyond Sports Foundation has more than half of its graduating class committed to playing at the collegiate level.
Beyond Sports Foundation, a Chicagoland organization that utilizes sports as a vehicle for positive change, supports underserved student-athletes with the tools and guidance they need to be successful in their athletic careers, as well as in their academic and professional lives.
"We are so proud of our student-athletes' accomplishments," said Alec Brown, executive director of Beyond Sports Foundation. "Here at Beyond Sports Foundation, we believe in instilling strong core values in these young men and women for them to be successful in all of their future endeavors. We are confident that each member of our graduating class will go on to achieve greatness in their athletic careers and beyond."
Students from low-income backgrounds face a harsh reality, with fewer than 10 percent graduating from college. Since 2009, however, 100 percent of Beyond Sports Foundation student-athletes have been eligible for scholarships, with many members being the first in their families to go on to college.
The key to the organization's success lies in its four pillars of engagement: academic development, social responsibility, athletic training, professional growth and mentorship. Student-athletes complete weekly tutoring in their high school classes, SAT/ACT test prep courses, as well as elite fitness training to ensure their athletic success. The foundation also schedules regular volunteering events for student-athletes to give back to their own communities, and offers workshops in essential life skills such as financial literacy and social justice.
See below for profiles of Beyond Sports Foundation's committed seniors:
Zenaya Barnes, Carmel Catholic - Grambling State University
Zenaya's outstanding athletic ability and intelligence has led to her success on the soccer field, where she has been playing soccer for 14 years. Her consistent play and leadership on the field and in the classroom have earned her a scholarship to continue her athletic career at Grambling State.
Devin Blakely, St. Joseph - South Dakota State University
Devin is an exceptionally gifted football player who earned a starting role on Nazareth's varsity football team as a sophomore, as well as received All-Conference/Area honors during his junior season. His athletic versatility earned him a full scholarship to play football at South Dakota State University.
Armoni Dixon, Loyola Academy - Tulane University
Armoni is a talented student-athlete who has exceled in the classroom and on the field. While maintaining a high level of academics, he helped Loyola Academy win the 2018 IHSA 8A Championship. He finished the season as one of the best defensive linemen in the state of Illinois and signed his letter of intent to play football on a full scholarship at Tulane University.
DeAndre Johnson, Phillips - Indiana State University
DeAndre embodies hard work and dedication, making him the type of athlete every coach wants on their team. After playing as a four-year starter on the Phillips varsity football team, DeAndre will be attending Indiana State to play linebacker/defensive end on a full scholarship.
Lance Jones, Evanston Township - Southern Illinois University
Lance Jones is a standout guard who gained early attention for his play on the basketball court and earned All-Conference and Second Team All-State honors as a junior. His high basketball IQ and early blossoming athleticism helped him obtain a full scholarship to play basketball at Southern Illinois University.
Ty Kelly-Martin, Oswego East - University of Kansas
Ty is capable of being successful at anything she puts her mind to. After years of playing volleyball and ACL reconstructive surgery, she decided to give rowing a shot in her sophomore year. With just two years of rowing experience, Ty's determination and drive helped pave the way for her to earn a scholarship to row at the University of Kansas.
Aleigha McNulty, Carmel Catholic - Loyola Chicago
Aleigha started playing softball at the age of five, and has served as the varsity catcher for Carmel Catholic since her sophomore year. She has been a consistent leader on and off the field of play, earning respect through her persistency and a will to be better. Aleigha will be taking her skills to Loyola Chicago this fall.
Elijah Moscinski, Nazareth - Illinois University
Elijah is a humble giant with a strong ability to dominate at the offensive line position, where he has been a two-year starter for Nazareth and led the team to a 2018 IHSA Football 7A championship. Elijah earned Academic All-American honors for his success in the classroom, as well as a scholarship to play at Illinois University.
Kempton Shine, St. Rita of Cascia - Eastern Michigan University
Kempton Shine is an outstanding example of grit and perseverance. After receiving no offers to the camp circuit following his junior year, Kempton worked harder than ever toward the goal of earning a scholarship to play at the next level. By the third weekend of June, Kempton had earned more than ten full scholarship offers from Division 1 schools, eventually accepting an offer to play defensive back at Eastern Michigan University.
Jalen Snell, Carmel Catholic - Southern Illinois University
Jalen is a talented, hardworking, two-sport athlete who is no stranger to overcoming adversity. Upon entering his senior season of football, he had no scholarship offers and minimal interest from schools at the Division 1 level. It was his confidence in himself and perseverance that earned him All-Conference and All-Area honors, as well as a full scholarship to play football at Southern Illinois University.
Anthony Williams, Jr., Bolingbrook - Michigan State University
Anthony's persistence to bettering his play has led to All-Conference, Area and State honors in his final high school football season. Michigan State took notice and extended their interest with a full scholarship offer for Anthony to play running back. Anthony is currently attending Michigan State a semester early, continuing his dedication to the game and his future.
About Beyond Sports Foundation
Beyond Sports Foundation uses the power of sport to transform lives by turning athletic opportunity into life opportunity. As a pioneer among college access and success programs, Beyond Sports Foundation is one of a kind in offering support for student-athletes to strengthen their academic, life, and career skills while paralleling their athletic training in order to prepare them for college and beyond through our four pillars of engagement. These include academic development, athletic development, social responsibility, and professional development & mentorship. Beyond Sports Foundation believes that by investing in student-athletes within our communities we are creating the leaders of the future.