Moore County native EJ Russell graduated from Western Carolina University in August 2024. His love of competitive sports led him to major in sports management and obtain his bachelor’s degree. The 25-year-old is the first person in his family to do so.
Like many new college graduates, EJ is looking to put his skills and education to work and is searching for his first job that will launch his career. He is searching for an opportunity in the sports industry that will allow him to leverage his skills, knowledge, and enthusiasm and make a difference.
EJ shared the obstacles he has overcome as a young man with autism and ADHD.
From 2012 through 2019, EJ has participated in the Special Olympics. He led his basketball team to the state’s first gold medal. In addition to basketball, EJ has participated in other sports.
His Special Olympics accomplishments include gold medals in basketball, track and field, and a bronze medal in bowling. Of all the sports he has competed in, basketball is his favorite.
EJ’s experience participating in the Special Olympics has impacted him. When he spoke with the Sandhills Sentinel, EJ said, “It is great to be around individuals who have the same love for the sport regardless of disability.”
Cameron resident Leslie Clothier has been a Special Olympics coach for 21 years. She has coached golf, basketball, and bowling. She first met EJ while he was in middle school and coached him on the Special Olympics basketball team for five years.
“I adore EJ and his parents,” said Leslie about her friendship with EJ. “EJ has a competitive attitude, which you see in everyday sports. He is not going to lose. Competitive attitudes are not unusual in Special Olympics athletes, but with EJ, it was a different level. If he was failing, he was determined to fix it, and he would. He does not give up. The fact that he had disabilities, and he never let it stop him from trying. In my eyes, that is amazing. He never let a diagnosis stop him.”
While a student in Moore County schools, EJ’s parents wanted him in mainstream classes. It was tough initially, but EJ worked hard, especially on his reading.
During his first year at Pinecrest High, EJ had a 1.7 GPA. He continued to work hard and graduated in 2017 with almost a 3.0 GPA. In recognition of his efforts, EJ received an academic scholarship to Averett University, but he decided to attend Sandhills Community College first and then transfer to Western Carolina University. While attending Western Carolina University, EJ did not participate in competitive sports but focused on academics.
“To be a Black man with a disability and to have a degree, it feels powerful,” said EJ.
EJ is seeking work with a sports team focused on sales and marketing. While living in Waynesville and working at Chick-fil-A, EJ continues to look for a job, work on himself, and “be the best person I can be.”
“No matter who you are, what you have, or where you are from, you can do anything if you put your mind to it. Let me be an example,” EJ added.
Feature photo: EJ Russell graduates from Western Carolina University with a degree in sports management. Photo contributed.
If you would like to share your story with Sandhills Sentinel, please email [email protected].
~ Written by Sandhills Sentinel reporter Maggie Sergio. A resident of Moore and Richmond counties since 2016, Maggie was one of the first reporters for Sandhills Sentinel. She started covering local stories for Sandhills Sentinel in 2018 and has recently rejoined the reporting staff. Maggie previously contributed to the Huffington Post, covering social and environmental justice issues. Maggie is an accomplished grant writer, having secured funding for several nonprofit organizations.
To sign up for the free Sandhills Sentinel breaking news and weekly e-newsletter, please click here.
Comments
Comments are closed.