From Athletes to Advocates: How Former HBCU Athletes are Inspiring Change in Their Communities

OWINGS MILLS, MD – After 12 years of cheering on the sidelines, former cheerleader Candice Stephens has transitioned from the spotlight to the forefront of community advocacy and leadership. Now serving as the Stomp Shake and Cheer Coach at New Town High School, Stephens is dedicated to molding young athletes into leaders.

Photo Credits: Arielle Dickerson

Athletes are often celebrated for their achievements on the field, but what happens when the cheers fade and the spotlight dims? The journey from athlete to advocate is one of transformation and purpose. These former athletes are using their experiences to inspire others and prove that the lessons learned on the field can create positive change in their communities.

For Candice Stephens, coaching isn’t just about teaching cheerleading techniques. It’s a way to develop leadership and instill a sense of purpose, mirroring initiatives like Under Armour’s Be Seen, Be Heard, Be Celebrated campaign. Just as UA empowers Black athletes to become leaders off the court, Stephens is fostering this growth on a personal level in her squad. 

Her approach aligns with legendary NBA player Chris Paul’s work with historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), as he uses his platform to support scholarships and UNCF partnerships, emphasizing leadership beyond the game. Both Paul and Stephens show how an athlete’s legacy can be one of empowerment and community strength.

Art: Arielle Dickerson

Stephen's experience as a cheerleader shaped her desire to pour into a new generation of advocates. “It starts at freshman year; the program standards groom the athletes to say, ‘Okay, this is what I want to do. This is who I want to become,’” she shares. Drawing from her collegiate cheerleading background, she emphasizes, “It’s important to instill high standards in my athletes. I want to be the coach that I needed when I was in high school.” This commitment to nurturing her athletes reflects her understanding of mentorship's profound impact on young lives.

Video By: Arielle Dickerson

On the other hand, Stephens’ program has not only developed strong athletes but has also nurtured leaders who continue to make an impact in their communities long after their athletic careers. As Parris Waters reflects, “Coach has always taught me to behave as my best self, even when no one is watching.” This philosophy resonates deeply within her team, creating a culture of integrity and accountability. Maya Weems notes the significance of Stephens in the community: “Coach Candace is a big name…she's always encouraging us to participate in some type of community outreach.” This active involvement reinforces that their roles extend beyond cheerleading, instilling a spirit of giving back.

Art: Arielle Dickerson

For former athletes like Amaia Davis, who once cheered under Coach Candice, the lessons of dedication and support have shaped her journey from the cheer mat to community advocacy. Describing Stephens as “a mother figure,” Davis recounts how her encouragement during college helped her navigate the challenges of life beyond high school. “She taught me dedication, which I carried with me from cheer to everything I’m doing now,” Davis reflects. Such mentorship demonstrates the power of positive influence, illustrating how former athletes can shape the futures of the next generation.

Video By: UNCF

As these athletes continue their journeys, they demonstrate that leadership doesn’t end when the game does. They’re using their voices, influence, and experiences to drive meaningful change in their communities—showing that once an athlete, always an advocate. Their stories serve as a testament to the belief that true success is measured not just by personal achievements but by the impact one has on others.

By stepping into leadership and mentorship, these former athletes show that their influence goes beyond the game, reminding us that true success comes from giving back and making a difference.

Audio By: Arielle Dickerson

By Arielle Dickerson

With Contributions from Under Armour and UNCF

Photo, Arielle Dickerson

Photo, NTHS Cheer // Artwork, Arielle Dickerson

Video, Arielle Dickerson 

Photo, NTHS Cheer // Artwork, Arielle Dickerson

Video, UNCF

Audio, Arielle Dickerson

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