Check out the Changemakers

Adam Miller, ASU

Sport/position
Basketball, guard

Major
Liberal arts

Hobbies
I love music, playing videos games and spending time with my family. I love giving back to the community and motivating youth while encouraging them to be great, work hard and never give up.

How do you make change in your community?
I make change in my community by speaking to young people and giving back to them as much as I can! I helped raise over $35,000 for a nonprofit in Chicago, and I have a Christmas toy drive each year called Acewolf Adam Miller Holiday Toy Donation Drive. I also host a free basketball camp called Acewolf Aspiring Youth Basketball Camp, which I started when I was in high school. I give clothes, toys, shoes and more to kids in need who can’t afford items that allow them to play basketball.

About
Adam was named Illinois Mr. Basketball in 2020 and won the Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year award in 2019 and 2020. He also represented the United States at the 2021 FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup.

Sarah Clark, ASU

Sport/position
Gymnastics

Major
Biomedical sciences

Hobbies
Cooking, reading, going to the beach and hanging out with friends.

How do you make change in your community?
I currently make change in my community by volunteering at Phoenix Children's. Being a pre-med student, I have a passion for helping others, and volunteering in the hospital setting has been the perfect fit for me. I work in a playroom on the oncology/hematology floor of the hospital with kids who may have cancer, blood disorders or other chronic diseases. My role is to aid in being the "happy" part of the kids’ day and play with them when they’re not getting treatments. I’ve seen how strong these kids are and have been able to witness some of their journeys, as I’ve been seeing them for over a year now. I hope one day to continue to change lives by pursuing a career in medicine.

About
Sarah is a student-athlete, daughter and sibling to a younger brother and sister. She grew up in Huntington Beach, California and went to Mater Dei High School. Sarah started gymnastics when she was two years old and is now a fifth-year gymnast at ASU. After college, she plans on applying to medical school and pursuing a career in the medical field.

Jalyn Brown, ASU

Sport/position
Basketball, shooting guard

Major
Communications

Hobbies
Modeling, crafts, volunteering with young students, dancing and spending time with friends.

How do you make change in your community?
I strive to make a positive impact by volunteering with young students, serving as a mentor and fostering a love for learning and creativity through hands-on activities. As a student-athlete, I aim to inspire youth in my community, showing them the importance of hard work, resilience and giving back.

About
Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, Jalyn brings her passion for growth, connection and community both on and off the court. Balancing her role as an athlete, student and part-time model, she is dedicated to making an impact through her studies and volunteer work. Jalyn enjoys mindfulness practices, crafting and exploring her love for intercultural communication, a field she hopes will allow her to make meaningful contributions to diverse communities.

Kai Millner, NAU

Sport/position
Football, quarterback

Major
Sociology

Hobbies
Spending time with friends and family, reading and golfing.

How do you make change in your community?
I believe making a change in your community starts with the way you live your everyday life. I strive to be a person who exudes positivity and I make it my goal to uplift others. I also volunteer often at local elementary schools to further connect myself with the community's youth.

About
Kai was originally born in North Carolina but grew up in Gilbert, Arizona. He’s driven by his faith and family. Kai is close with his younger brother, who also plays college football. He looks forward to continuing to make an impact through sports and his personal platform.

Odessa Zentz, NAU

Sport/position
Track and field (primarily 800 meters) and cross country

Major
Psychology

Hobbies
Journaling, listening to music, making playlists for team workouts, taking photos on my camera and playing on my Xbox.

How do you make change in your community?
To me, change in my community means sharing my passions with others. There are a lot of young people in my home state of Montana who are very passionate about running. I love helping with their practices over the summers.

About
Odessa fell in love with Flagstaff because it reminds her of home — Montana! She’s grateful for her supportive teammates and the “amazing” athletic facilities she has access to. She said she’s excited to represent Desert Financial as a Changemaker and “Go Jacks!”

Taylor Feldman, NAU

Sport/position
Basketball, point guard

Major
Business management and marketing with a certificate in sports media

Hobbies
Cooking and baking, watching romantic comedy movies, spending time with family and friends and going to the farmers’ market on Sundays.

How do you make change in your community?
Through my years of playing sports and especially on the basketball court, I found myself drawn to the younger girls around me. I thoroughly enjoyed watching them play with such joy on their faces. It reminded me of when I was first starting out. I have continued to work with young girls in the basketball community through both training and coaching. I hope to be an example and role model for them as they pursue their dreams.

About
Taylor is the youngest of three and grew up in an active, athletic family in Southern California. She is studying business marketing and sports management and would like to work in the sports industry. She would also like to keep coaching young girls if she has the chance. Taylor plans to continue her basketball career after graduation, possibly outside the United States.