Royal Athletes

08/10/2026

Excited to introduce our new home for our gear: LayorFit. Welcome to the apparel side of Royal Athletes, built for our 10-year milestone. Two ways to wear it: Lay- everyday wear, comfortable. Or Fit-made to hold up when you train or workout.
For every age. Every movement.
The Cozy Drop is our first collection. Hoodies, crewnecks, and layers in heathered cream and earth tones, limited runs.
Preorder is open now and closes September 1st.
Royal-athletes.com/layor-fit

08/10/2026

Where are they now?

Five years ago, Marques Lewis was a 2021 Royal Athletes HBCU Scholarship recipient. Today, he’s a Mechanical Engineer at ExxonMobil in the Houston area.

Marques graduated from Tennessee State University in December 2025 with his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, and he’s already taking the next step. This fall, he’ll begin his Master of Engineering in Industrial and Systems Engineering at Rutgers University.

We’re grateful that Royal Athletes could play a small part in Marques’s story, but he’s the one who put in the work and continues to make the most of every opportunity.

Tennessee State. ExxonMobil. Rutgers. The journey continues.

We couldn’t be prouder of you, Marques. Keep going, keep growing, and keep showing what’s possible. Keep shining, Marques!

07/23/2026

Where are they now? 👑 Meet Perris Jones.
In the spring and summer of 2018, Perris interned with Royal Athletes, speaking with our youth about effort and dedication, supporting our community outreach and enrichment programs, and drafting emails and marketing to promote them, while also helping manage equipment and inventory.
At the University of Virginia, he walked on to the football team, earned a scholarship, became a starter, and was voted team captain. He was chasing the NFL.
Then, during a 2023 game at Louisville, a spinal cord injury left him temporarily paralyzed from the neck down. Three weeks later, he walked out of rehab on his own.
Since then, Perris has earned three degrees from UVA, written a book, Ashes to Endzone, and now travels the country speaking on resilience, faith, and identity. In a full-circle moment, he’s pursuing his PhD at Louisville, the same place his football career ended.
“Some of life’s hardest moments can become the beginning of something greater.” — Perris
We’re proud we crossed paths. Grab his book (link in the comments) and drop him a 👑.

07/19/2026

07/30/2024

🌟 Recognizing Liam Alberti, our second recipient of the Division 3 College $2,500 College Scholarship in partnership with 16 Lyrics! 🌟

Liam, from Guilford, CT, is set to attend Ithaca College this Fall, where he will play lacrosse and pursue his dreams.

From day one, Liam has pushed himself harder in the classroom and on the field, always looking for ways to be greater every day. He strives to be there for his peers and act beyond self-interest. When asked what does ‘Stepping into your Greater’ mean, Liam stated “To me, stepping into my greater means putting my 100% into everything I do, not only for myself but for those around me as well…Pushing myself harder in the classroom and on the field, going out of my way to be there for my peers, and going out of my way to not only thank my parents, but to thank everyone who has helped me throughout my time here.”

Accepted into Ithaca's Physical Therapy 6-year Doctorate Program, Liam aims to eventually run his own physical therapy practice. He looks forward to learning from professors, classmates, and colleagues, bringing these lessons into his future leadership roles.

We are incredibly proud of Liam’s journey and his relentless spirit. Join us in celebrating his achievements and cheering him on as he embarks on this exciting new chapter at Ithaca College! 🌟📚🏆

07/20/2024

🌟 Recognizing Kyra Foster, our second $2,500 HBCU College Scholarship recipient in partnership with 16 Lyrics! 🌟

Kyra, from Minneapolis, MN, will be attending Fisk University this Fall. Kyra's passion for healthcare drives her ambition to combat the Black maternal health crisis as a Certified Midwife. She plans to major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Fisk University, then pursue Nursing, graduating with two Bachelor’s degrees before continuing to a Master’s in Midwifery. Her ultimate goal is to start a birth center specializing in the care of Black women and members of the trans community. Kyra envisions a Black-owned space where women and LGBTQIA+ members feel safe, heard, and protected during a vulnerable and important time in their lives. She aims to raise awareness of the disparities Black women face in healthcare.

Kyra's dedication and vision are truly inspiring. Join us in celebrating her achievements and supporting her as she embarks on this important journey at Fisk University! 🌟📚🏆

07/17/2024

✨Celebrating Jay'Shun Matthews, a recipients of the Royal Athletes and 16 Lyrics $2,500 HBCU College Scholarship!!

Jay'Shun, from Warner Robins, GA, will be joining Morehouse College this Fall.
Jay'Shun is the founder of the Black Youth Empowerment Network, dedicated to empowering young Black individuals by providing diverse opportunities for growth and fostering a supportive community. His experiences, including the Washington Youth Tour and serving as Class President, have cultivated his passion for servant leadership and community service.

Driven by a vision to excel academically and immerse himself in Morehouse's enriching environment, Jay'Shun aims to participate in the student newspaper and take on leadership roles, enhancing his communication and leadership skills. With aspirations in creative directing within production and entertainment, he is passionate about storytelling and promoting diversity in visual narratives. Ultimately, Jay'Shun dreams of becoming the CEO of Disney, leading initiatives that set new standards for storytelling and cultural impact.

We are incredibly proud of Jay'Shun's journey and relentless spirit. Join us in celebrating his achievements and cheering him on as he embarks on this exciting new chapter at Morehouse College! 🌟📚🏆

07/16/2024

🌟 Congratulations to Tatiyana Blacknall, one of our finalists for the Division 3 $2500 College Scholarship in partnership with 16 Lyrics

Hailing from Curtis Bay, MD, Tatiyana is an exceptional student heading to Wesleyan WV College this Fall to play Lacrosse. As a standout player in both lacrosse and basketball at Northeast High School, she has shown remarkable tenacity and dedication, maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or above while excelling in sports.

Tatiyana’s journey hasn’t been easy. Growing up in a predominantly white community, she often felt culturally isolated and faced microaggressions. Her determination to attend a diverse university is fueled by her aspiration to motivate and inspire Afro-Latinas and other marginalized women. She envisions a future in business and marketing, where she aims to ensure diverse representation and amplify authentic voices.

When asked what “Stepping into Your Greater” means, Tatiyana replied, “First and foremost, this means being my authentic self, staying true to my values, and pursuing what truly matters to me…this includes sports, fellowship, and mentorship. For myself to become greater, I am committed to building strong relationships, developing a growth mindset, and always prioritizing my physical and mental health. Being greater also means learning and growing continuously.”

We are incredibly proud of Tatiyana and her relentless spirit. Join us in cheering her on as she takes the next step towards achieving her dreams! 🌟📚🏆

*Disclaimer* At the time Tatiyana applied, she had committed to attending Wells College. After paying fees and dues, she received notice in May that the school was permanently closing, causing her to frantically pivot and explore other options. Wesleyan WV College, which she had visited last year, became her new destination after reaching out to them again. Although this is not an official D3 college, we honor Tatiyana for who she is as a leader, scholar and Royal Athlete!