Dear Phoenix Club Member,
Thank you so much for your gift to support Elon Athletics! My name is Dylan Tucker, and I am a senior student-athlete on the Football Team from Concord, North Carolina. I am double majoring in Finance and Marketing. I’m also President of the Alpha Beta Beta chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., and a student worker at the Moseley Center Front Desk. I am thrilled to be able to share some of my favorite moments from Elon and express my sincerest gratitude for the support of donors such as yourself!
As I reflect on the power of scholarships for student-athletes, I think about attending this prestigious university, and creating lifelong connections among teammates, classmates, and coworkers. Going into my senior year of high school I didn’t have any offers to play football at the next level, so after working hard to prove myself during my final year, I was excited that Elon was the first school to give me a chance to follow my dream. I have taken advantage of the opportunity, earning academic honors and even being named Team Captain for the 2023 Football Team. Throughout my years at Elon, my teammates have always been a bright spot in my collegiate career. These men have been uplifting and I will always be appreciative of their support and friendship for the rest of my life. I had the opportunity to be on the 2022 team that made it to the FCS playoffs for the fourth time in program history and competed with and against NFL prospects. I never realized how much truth is in the statement “Football should be the best part of your day” until I got to Elon. When I walk into the field house, I embrace the hard work necessary to get back to the playoffs, and lift up my teammates as they do the same for me.
Elon has always had a heightened feeling of community, and I recognize it anywhere I am in the world. Whether I am in Burlington, back home in Charlotte, or even at an airport, this community is considered family to me, and it’s a heartwarming feeling to know that it follows me wherever I am. There are so many others like me who wouldn’t have the opportunity to be here without donors like you, and we will forever be grateful for your kindness, generosity, and compassion.
Though I am a senior, I have two years of eligibility left due to injury and a Covid year. I plan on staying at Elon to earn a master’s degree. My dream is to go to the NFL, but if that doesn’t end up being my destination, I plan on moving to New York City and starting my career in finance or marketing.
With all this being said, I want to thank you for helping student-athletes like myself live out our dreams and work to our greatest potential. With your gift to Elon Athletics, you directly provide us with the opportunity to succeed in our sport and our academic careers. Without the scholarship I have received, I would not be where I am today, and I am forever grateful for all the experiences I have had at Elon. Thank you for your generosity, kindness, and belief in Elon student-athletes. It means more than you know!
Go Phoenix!
Dylan Tucker