HOUSTON, Jan. 06, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kevin Sumlin, a longtime college football coach, today announces the Kevin Sumlin Scholarship for Student Athletes, a program designed to assist undergraduate students who balance academics with collegiate sports. This scholarship offers support to student-athletes at accredited colleges and universities nationwide, with no restrictions based on location within the United States.
The Kevin Sumlin Scholarship for Student Athletes invites applications from current undergraduate student-athletes who participate in collegiate athletics. To apply, candidates submit a 500- to 700-word essay that addresses the 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?” Applications, including the essay and applicant details, go to [email protected]. The deadline for submissions is June 15, 2026, and the recipient will be named on July 15, 2026.
Kevin Sumlin, who leads this initiative, draws from his own background as a former player and coach to create this opportunity. As a Purdue University graduate where he played linebacker and served as team captain, Kevin Sumlin understands the demands student-athletes face. His coaching career included positions at the University of Houston, Texas A&M University, and the University of Arizona, where he focused on team success and player development. Now, through the Kevin Sumlin Scholarship for Student Athletes, he continues to guide the next generation by providing resources that recognize their efforts in both classrooms and on fields or courts.
This scholarship stands out because it prioritizes the real-world lessons student-athletes gain. Kevin Sumlin notes that many young people in sports learn time management, discipline, and teamwork, skills that extend far beyond games. The program aims to highlight these aspects, encouraging applicants to reflect on their journeys in their essays. By doing so, the Kevin Sumlin Scholarship for Student Athletes helps recipients prepare for careers after athletics, whether in business, education, or other fields.
The organization behind the scholarship, also named the Kevin Sumlin Scholarship for Student Athletes, operates from Houston, Texas, but serves students from any part of the country. Kevin Sumlin established this to give back to the community that shaped his path, ensuring that financial aid reaches those who show dedication in multiple areas of life. The website, https://kevinsumlinscholarship.com/, provides full details on eligibility and the application process, making it easy for interested students to learn more.
Student-athletes who meet the criteria—enrollment as undergraduates at accredited institutions and active participation in sports—can apply without geographic limits. This open approach reflects Kevin Sumlin’s belief in equal access to opportunities, based on his experiences coaching diverse teams across different states. The scholarship recipient receives a one-time award to help with educational expenses, allowing them to focus on their studies and sports without added financial stress.
Kevin Sumlin emphasizes the importance of this program in today’s college landscape, where student-athletes often juggle rigorous schedules. He recalls how his own time at Purdue taught him to prioritize tasks, a lesson he passed on during his coaching tenure. Through the Kevin Sumlin Scholarship for Student Athletes, he hopes to inspire others to share similar stories in their applications, fostering a sense of connection among participants.
The announcement comes at a time when support for student-athletes gains more attention, with discussions around academic-athletic balance in higher education. The Kevin Sumlin Scholarship for Student Athletes aligns with these trends by requiring an essay that prompts personal reflection, helping applicants articulate their growth. Kevin Sumlin invites eligible students to visit the website and prepare their submissions well before the June 15, 2026, deadline.
For those considering the application, the process remains straightforward: craft an essay that answers the prompt honestly, include basic details about enrollment and athletic involvement, and email everything to the designated address. The selection focuses on the quality of the response, looking for genuine insights into the student-athlete experience.
Kevin Sumlin remains committed to this effort, viewing it as a natural extension of his career spent mentoring young adults. The program not only provides aid but also encourages a broader conversation about the value of sports in education. As the organization grows, it plans to maintain its focus on accessibility and impact.
The Kevin Sumlin Scholarship for Student Athletes represents a practical way to honor the hard work of undergraduates in sports. With the application window opening now, student-athletes have ample time to prepare. Kevin Sumlin encourages them to seize this chance to share their stories and potentially receive support for their futures.
Contact Information
Spokesperson: Kevin Sumlin
Organization: The Kevin Sumlin Scholarship for Student Athletes
Website: https://kevinsumlinscholarship.com/
Email: [email protected]
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e85e84e7-24ac-477a-8d48-6634b95c2361