Issue Three- March 2021:

By Mercedes Barreto

The Empowerment Through Sports organization helps young athletes with promise and potential to further their dreams and professional aspirations by giving them the training, the motivation, and the drive they need to go onto realizing a professional sports career.

Desmon Holton (Committed to Lewis and Clark College 2021-2022)

What was the reason you got started with, or why you found out about Empowerment Through Sports? Was it a good thing, and why?

“I got started with ETS through my science teacher, Mr. Lewis, who wanted me to come to play for his football team. It was the best thing that ever happened to me, because it helped guide me to where I am today. It pointed me in the right direction in life, and without Coach Lewis inviting me to play on his team, I don’t know where I’d be.”

If you could describe Empowerment Through Sports in three words, what would those three words be? And why?

“I would say “Life-Changing Experience” are the three words that describe Empowerment Through Sports. I chose these words because it’s exactly what ETS did for me. Before joining ETS I was a “class clown” who really didn’t care for school. After I went through ETS I became a respectful, kind, and humble person who enjoyed attaining knowledge.”

Ajai Russell H.S Sophmore Clinton, IA

What was the reason you got started with, or why you found out about Empowerment Through Sports? Was it a good thing, and why?

“I got started with ETS at a young age, at about age 7 is when I started. ETS is where I learned how to play football and many basic morals such as integrity, respect, and good sportsmanship.

I believe this was very good for all of us kids who grew up in ETS because at such a young age we are very impressionable and since we had great role models as coaches we were able to pick up those good habits and traits.”

If you could describe Empowerment Through Sports in three words, what would those three words be? And why?

“Empowering, charitable, and God-centered.

I chose these words because it’s what ETS has taught me over the years.”

Christian Earls (Committed to Butler University 2021)

As a younger kid, what is most important to you, and how does Empowerment Through Sports take care of that? How?

“As a 3rd grader, I wanted to start playing tackle football with a team that not only encouraged sportsmanship but also accountability and responsibility to maintain good grades.

The coaches I had did just that. They continuously reminded us of what they expected of us on and off the field, and I wanted to prove to my parents that I also cared about school and not just sports.”

What was the reason you got started with, or why you found out about Empowerment Through Sports? Was it a good thing, and why?

“I found out about ETS from a flyer that my 3rd-grade teacher handed out to the class. I immediately brought it home to my parents and begged them to let me play tackle football. It was 100% a good thing because, after my first season, I never stopped playing, and I’ve developed enough as a player to earn a college football scholarship to continue my education.”

Zachary M. Connell, Senior-HS Clinton, IA

As a younger kid, what is most important to you, and how does Empowerment Through Sports take care of that? How?

“The most important thing to me as a kid was being good at everything I did and ETS really helped me enhance my skills.

I also learned the importance of discipline, character, and respect as a kid.”

If you could describe Empowerment Through Sports in three words, what would those three words be? And why?

“Three words I would use to describe ETS are character, respect, and family.”

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