Why Should You Choose ATA?

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I have always been passionate about sport. Without track and field, I would not have attended college at an affordable rate. I was on a track and field scholarship for the entirety of my undergraduate and graduate studies. Leveraging sports, I was able to leave New York and experience a life I otherwise would not have.

My pathway to college was typical for those who are unfamiliar with the nuances of navigating college access. My mother and my coaches backed me, but they only knew how to assist me from their perspectives. As a then recent immigrant, I maintained "B" average grades, but had not produced scholarship level track and field marks. I had to figure out the parts of college admission that were not clear.

After long hours of training, academic preparation, many emails and a "breakout" senior year, I received multiple merit-based scholarships from Division I schools. My dream had been realized and it changed the direction of my life. It is through my own experiences, that I know my life’s mission is to positively impact youth through sport in the ways I wish I had been supported.

There does not exist an organization that addresses the intersection of college readiness, academic success, leadership empowerment and sports, the way Advancement Through Athletics does. Our goals is to one day become the national leader in college- and career-prepared youth through sport.

To date, we have supported 18 scholar-athletes through our model; 15 of which have graduated college and 7 have or are competing at the collegiate level.

As founder and president, I have been at every stage of our research-based college readiness organization. To parents and youth reading this, I understand the power of support and I know how to help. ATA is simply a resource for youth who are doing the hard work to overcome adversities on their journey to college and career. ATA staff have been through the similar life experiences our scholar-athletes are going through. We are working diligently to serve the city of Indianapolis and beyond to produce the best of the best.

- Aboshioma "Sho" Obemeata, President