Athletes Care Campaign (ACC)
What is ACC?
A Signature Initiative by Literature Matters
The Athletes Care Campaign (ACC) is a powerful movement within the Literature Matters mission—designed to inspire, empower, and connect children with the joy of reading through the stories of their favorite athletes.
We believe that representation matters in every form of storytelling. That’s why ACC highlights the voices of professional and local athletes who care deeply about literacy, especially in underserved Black and Brown communities. This initiative celebrates the influence of athletes as role models—using their stories and influence to motivate young readers and demonstrate the power of perseverance, imagination, and knowledge.
Why It Matters:
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1 in 4 children grows up without learning how to read proficiently.
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Representation in literature increases reading engagement and self-confidence.
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Seeing athletes speak on the importance of reading helps connect literacy to real-life success.
Together, we can create generational change one story, one book, and one child at a time.
Beyond the Game: Athletes Share Their Stories About Reading
What does reading have to do with being an athlete? More than you might think.
The Literature Matters Athletes Care Campaign (ACC) was created to help young readers see literacy through a different lens. Through candid conversations with college student-athletes, we explore their personal experiences with reading, the challenges and influences that shaped them as students, and how literacy continues to play a role in their lives on and off the field.
Our goal is simple: to show children that readers come in many forms. They are athletes, leaders, teammates, students, and future professionals. By sharing authentic stories from student-athletes, ACC encourages young people, especially those who may struggle with reading or have yet to discover their connection to books, to understand that literacy can be an important part of achieving their goals.
Meet Our ACC Participants
Leo Bisesi | UIW Football
David Brown | UIW Football
Alex Brown | UIW Men’s Track & Field
David Sanchez | UIW Men’s Track & Field
Austin Quitta | Trinity Soccer
During our ACC interviews, each athlete shares a unique perspective on reading, education, discipline, and personal growth. Their experiences remind young readers that everyone's literacy journey looks different and that where you begin does not determine where you can go.
Watch their interviews and discover how literacy continues to make an impact beyond the classroom and beyond the game.
Their Game. Their Story. Their Impact.
Through the Athletes Care Campaign, Literature Matters is continuing its mission to bridge the literacy gap by creating connections between reading, representation, and real-world experiences.
Because sometimes, helping a child become a reader begins with showing them someone they can see themselves becoming.
From the Field to the Festival: Why ACC Matters to Desiree
As a former athlete, I’ve experienced firsthand how sports instill grit, perseverance, teamwork, and most importantly, confidence. One of the most unforgettable moments in my journey was traveling to Holland at the age of 14 as a Global USA Sports Ambassador for the People to People organization. That year, my soccer team won our tournament bracket, and the experience left a lasting impression on how I viewed the world and myself.
This is why the Athletes Care Campaign (ACC) means so much to me. Athletes have a powerful story to tell, and when we share those stories with students, we spark inspiration and connection. Through the ACC initiative, we’re creating bridges between sports and literacy, helping young readers see themselves in every chapter.
For more information or to collaborate, email us at: info@literaturematters.org
