Soul of the South Sports Foundation S.O.U.L. Scholarship

The Soul of the South Sports Foundation S.O.U.L. Scholarship Program recognizes student-athletes through structured scholar designations that reflect varying levels of academic excellence and leadership impact.

All applicants are evaluated through a standardized merit and leadership review process. Final scholar designation is determined by overall scoring and demonstrated alignment with the S.O.U.L. pillars.

Scholarship amounts and the number of recipients may vary annually based on available funding and application volume.

S.O.U.L Merit
Award

Awarded to

student-athletes

who demonstrate exceptional academic performance alongside meaningful leadership influence.

Merit Scholars represent the highest levels of verified academic readiness, consistency, and commitment to excellence both in the classroom and within their school or athletic community.

S.O.U.L Legacy Award

Awarded to student-athletes who demonstrate outstanding influence, unity-building, and sustained impact.

Legacy Scholars are recognized for shaping culture, strengthening community, and leaving an imprint beyond personal achievement.

One Legacy Scholar may be selected annually.

S.O.U.L Scholar Award

Awarded to student-athletes who meet established academic and leadership standards.

Soul of the South Scholars™ represent individuals who have demonstrated academic readiness, positive influence, and alignment with the organization’s core values.

Scholarship Award Criteria

The Soul of the South Sports Foundation S.O.U.L. Scholarship Program is awarded through a merit-based and leadership-focused review process. Applications are evaluated across two primary categories:

Academic Merit

Verified cumulative GPA (minimum 2.75)
Academic rigor and preparation for post-secondary success
Evidence of sustained academic commitment

Leadership & Impact

Demonstrated influence within school, athletics, or community
Alignment with the S.O.U.L pillars (scholarship, opportunities, unity, legacy)
Measurable or observable impact beyond individual achievement

Financial need is not a determining factor in selection

Competitive Selection Process

The Soul of the South Sports Foundation S.O.U.L. Scholarship is designed to be accessible to student-athletes who meet the eligibility criteria, while maintaining a structured and competitive review process.

Applications are evaluated by a scholarship review committee using a standardized scoring rubric focused on academic merit, leadership, and alignment with the S.O.U.L. pillars.

All selected recipients must continue to meet academic and enrollment requirements at the time of the award.

🔰 Soul of the South Sports Foundation S.O.U.L. Scholarship Application

About This Scholarship

The Soul of the South Sports Foundation S.O.U.L. Scholarship Program recognizes student-athletes who embody Scholarships, Opportunities, Unity, and Legacy both on and off the field. This award supports students pursuing higher education at accredited colleges, universities, community colleges, or trade programs.

Recipients are selected based on academic readiness, leadership, community impact, and alignment with the S.O.U.L. pillars.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must:

Be a graduating high school senior or current college student (freshman–junior)
Be accepted to or enrolled in an accredited institution
Plan to enroll at least half-time (6+ credit hours; full-time preferred)
Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75, verified through official transcript submission
Submit all required documentation by the deadline

Student Information

Full Name

High School

Graduation Year

GPA - must match official transcript submitted

Sport(s) Played

Phone

Address

Intended College/University

Intended Major

Academic Documentation

To be considered for the Soul of the South Sports Foundation S.O.U.L. Scholarship, applicants must upload official documentation verifying academic standing and enrollment status.

Documents must clearly display the applicant's name and institution. Illegible or incomplete documents may result in application disqualification.

Required Uploads

Official Transcript (Required)
Upload a current official or school-issued transcript showing cumulative GPA. Accepted formats: PDF preferred
Proof of Acceptance or Enrollment (Required)
Upload at least one of the following:
1. College/University acceptance letter
2. Enrollment verification

Upload Official Transcript

Upload Acceptance Letter or Enrollment

Final award disbursement is contingent upon verified enrollment at the instittion listed.

Academic & Future Plans

Describe your educational goals and how your chosen institution supports your long-term vision. (300 - 500 words)

S.O.U.L Pillar Reflection

In what ways have you demonstrated at least two of the following S.O.U.L Pillars? Provide specific examples. (500 - 700 words)

Leadership & Impact

Describe a time you influenced others in a positive way. What was the outcome? What did you learn? (300 - 500 words)

Dream | Build | Own Reflection

Why does "Dream it. Build it. Own it." mean to you as you transition into your next chapter? How will you take ownership of your future? (300 - 500 words)

Recommendation Letters

Upload

Upload TW) recommendation letters: One academic (teacher, counselor, administrator); One coach, employer, or community leader.

Agreement + Media Release

I certify that the information provided is accurate and that I meet eligibility requirements.

I agree to allow Soul of the South Sports to feature my name and likeness if selected.

Soul of the South Sports reserves the right to verify all submitted information. Submission of this application does not guarantee selection. All decisions of the scholarship review committee are final.