Lawson Brinkley

I have always been a decently athletic person, spending my childhood playing everything from gold to football. Always playing with friends outside led me to find joy in athletics early on in my life. This joy is something that I have held dear to my heart as my years have drawn on, and hopefully I can continue to grow that joy for the rest of my life.

I began playing soccer and cross country in middle school and continued to grow in both of them as my time in high school went on. By my sophomore year of high school I was captain of both my high school’s soccer and cross country teams, and competed at state for cross country (as I did for every year of high school). I was even able to win the state championship with my team that sophomore year, which was an incredible and lasting memory that I cherish to this day. Even to this day, I pursue each of the sports that I enjoyed for so long by running weekly and playing soccer intramurally at UGA.

Sadly, however, I was not able to continue my high school sports career past my sophomore year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, that did not crush my spirits completely, and I was able to continue running and secretly playing pick-up games with my friends occasionally. My hyperactive drive for activity soon opened opportunities for me like the job I held over the summer of 2022, which I was offered at a friendly pick-up soccer game. I was working as a counselor at Winshape Camps, a place that was a home away from home for me as a child. By being able to work at that camp, I was able to continue my love for sports while also growing in a multitude of ways. By connecting myself with others with similar athletic interests, I have continued to make lasting friendships and find many opportunities otherwise unoffered.