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Men's Soccer Brandon Sans

Men's Soccer Announces Olivia Knighton Scholarship

WILMINGTON, North Carolina – The UNCW men's soccer team and the Olivia Knighton Foundation have announced the creation of the Olivia Knighton Endowed Scholarship to honor the late daughter of iconic UNCW goalkeeper Brad Knighton '19 and his wife Britney Eldridge-Knighton '07.
 
The Knighton Scholarship will serve to honor the life and memory of Olivia Grace Knighton, who was tragically killed at age 11 in a boating accident on July 19, 2023. The scholarship will annually be awarded to a deserving UNCW men's soccer player in hopes that Olivia's passion and ability to be a beautiful light will continue.
 
The scholarship is the latest Seahawk tribute to Olivia following Olivia's Game held at the UNCW Soccer Stadium in early September. Nearly 1,200 fans, including the Knighton family, attended to pay their respects to Brad and Britney's late daughter.
 
The game included a highly successful teal t-shirt drive, wristband giveaway, and a moment of silence. Brad made a special appearance on the game's FloFC broadcast.
 
STATEMENT FROM BRAD AND BRITNEY KNIGHTON
"Our family is incredibly honored and grateful to be able to have the opportunity to establish the Olivia Knighton Endowed Scholarship at UNCW. UNCW holds a very special place in our hearts.

"With the loss of our daughter, Olivia, we could not think of a better way to carry on her legacy at UNCW, where we both attended college, than to set up an endowed scholarship in her name. Olivia's favorite color was teal, she loved soccer, and she loved school. We hope this scholarship helps other students as they continue to follow their dreams and passions."

STATEMENT FROM UNCW HEAD COACH AIDAN HEANEY

"We are honored to have a scholarship endowed in Olivia's name. This scholarship will remain in perpetuity and is a wonderful way for UNCW Soccer and the Knighton's to keep her memory alive. Olivia had such an incredible impact on so many people in her short life, we will continue to help keep her light shining."

ABOUT THE OLIVIA KNIGHTON FOUNDATION
The Olivia Knighton Foundation, established on what would have been Olivia's 12th birthday (Nov. 3, 2023), serves to honor Olivia's short but beautiful life by spreading her light, love, passion, and kindness. It is the foundation's goal to enable children to follow their dreams and make the world a better place by providing scholarships and grants, spreading acts of kindness, and supporting the causes that were most important to Olivia: children's welfare, protection of animals, and education.
 
The organization's operating activities are conducted primarily by Brad and Britney Knighton as well as an extensive network of volunteers. It is governed by a Board of Directors who have fiduciary responsibility for the organization and provide strategic guidance and leadership. Currently, the Board is comprised of six members, including Knighton and Heaney.
 
 
 
 
 
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