The Kevin Sumlin Scholarship

for Student Athletes – $1,500 Award

The Kevin Sumlin Scholarship for Student Athletes is more than just a financial award—it is a celebration of perseverance, leadership, and the student-athlete spirit. Established in honor of Kevin Sumlin, a veteran coach who spent over three decades mentoring athletes and shaping championship-level teams, this $1,500 scholarship seeks to support undergraduates who embody the same qualities of dedication, discipline, and resilience. Balancing academics and athletics is no small feat, and this scholarship recognizes those who not only rise to the challenge but also use their experiences to grow as leaders on and off the field. Through an engaging essay contest, applicants are invited to share their stories, lessons, and aspirations, continuing Coach Sumlin’s mission of inspiring the next generation of student-athletes to pursue excellence in education, sports, and life.

Scholarship Overview

The Kevin Sumlin Scholarship for Student Athletes is a $1,500 award created to honor the legacy of veteran football coach Kevin Sumlin and his commitment to shaping future leaders. This scholarship is designed to support undergraduate student-athletes who demonstrate resilience, academic dedication, and the ability to balance the challenges of athletics with higher education. Awarded through an essay contest, it provides an opportunity for students to share their stories and vision while earning financial support toward their education.

Criteria

To be considered for the Kevin Sumlin Scholarship for Student Athletes, applicants must:

  • Be enrolled as an undergraduate student at an accredited college or university.
  • Be a current student-athlete, actively participating in collegiate athletics.
  • Submit a thoughtful essay (500–700 words) responding to the following prompt:

Essay Prompt:
“As a student-athlete, what lessons have you learned from balancing academics and athletics, and how will these experiences help shape your future beyond sports?”

  • Send completed essays and application details via email to: [email protected]
  • Submit applications no later than June 15, 2026.
  • The scholarship winner will be announced on July 15, 2026.

Amount

One time award of $1500

Deadline

The deadline to apply for the scholarship is June 15, 2026.

Winner Announced

The winner of the scholarship will be announced on July 15, 2026.

How to Apply

Applying is simple. Interested student-athletes should prepare their essay in response to the prompt and email it, along with their full name, contact information, school, and sport, to [email protected] before the deadline. All applications will be carefully reviewed, and one outstanding applicant will be awarded the $1,500 scholarship to support their educational journey.

Along with the essay, please provide the following information:

  • Full Name
  • Phone Number
  • Address
  • Email Address
  • Name of High School and Graduation Date
  • The University that you are currently enrolled in.
  • Personal Bio
  • GPA