Last year, on July 7,2011, I wrote my first blog for this website that I named "All About Atlanta Sports" which talked about the Atlanta Dream, whom at the time were 3-9 and I specifically wrote this blog in order to inform fans to not give up on that team, who eventually went to the WNBA Finals that season. Before I even decided to write, it took some motivation from a few of my followers. Previously, in high school, I was the sports director for our weekly TV news broadcast and I also entered college in 2009 with the full intentions of only dealing with filming sports highlights and never once thought about journalism as an option for my future. In late June, I received a direct message from a gentleman named Kris Willis (@Kris_Willis) who wrote for Peachtree Hoops and SB Nation and he told me that I should consider starting my own blog site because he could see the knowledge I had in Atlanta Sports in general. This wasn't the first time I was asked about blogging, two of my good friends, Brandon (@BMccoy20) and Reggie (@Reggies_World) also gave me tips on the proper steps that would be necessary to publish my own blogs. Brandon and Reggie were both blogging about the Hawks and their work was impressive and it gave me a small interest in writing my own work. After weeks of debating back and forth about writing a sports blog, my big brother Rod (@AtlantaRISE) gave me a phrase I'll never forget when I told him I was afraid that people may not like my work and he stated " The biggest fear you could have is never putting an effort towards your dream. Fear can keep you from receiving your ultimate blessing." Once I read those words, that was the extra push I needed that motivated me to finally start writing. Although the Atlanta Dream was my first one, once I started writing about the Falcons, that's when this site really took off. I want to take time out and thank everyone who ever read, re-tweeted, offered advice, or kept me motivated to continue on this great journey.
Special Shout-outs:
Jeanna- (@JeannaThomas) and Krissy (@KrissyBriESPN) Thanks for the encouragement you ladies gave me to take a chance at not only write successful sports blogs ; however, you gave me the motivation to even ask a professional player for an interview and I was blessed to have you giving me the extra support I needed to never give up and continue to take steps ahead that will benefit me in the near future.
Brian- (@BrianOHern) Thank you for getting me in order when I needed you to do that for me. As you know, when I first started the site, I was still trying to do things such as use foul language and other things that could have blown my chance at receiving opportunities for my future and once I cleaned my act up, things really went up from there. Again, thank you for helping me not only write like a professional person but also carry myself like one as well.
KD- (@YaBoyKD) Thank you for all of the support you have shown me throughout this process. From day one, when I needed to talk to someone about which direction I should approach to make each blog successful, you gave some valuable tips and constructive criticism whenever I needed it. You've supported me from the time I've started to now and I couldn't thank you enough for being a great support system.
Dominique Franks (@DFranks24) I can't thank you enough for that blessing you gave me in August 2011. You allowed me to interview you despite the fact that I was just emerging as a blogger and what I received was an interview that I as well as the people whom read that blog an opportunity to be inspired and get to know you as well. I'm still thankful every single day that I was able to have that great experience and for the simple fact that I gained a good friend out of this process. No matter how far I go in life with this, I will always credit him for pushing the dream I had to another level.
Rod- (@AtlantaRISE) The message you gave me that pushed me to another level is the reason why I'm even writing this blog today. Every blog I've ever written, you've given me great feedback and kept me inspired to write more and add more content to make All About Atlanta Sports a very informative and original website. There were many times I felt like procrastinating and wanted to give up on writing; however, you never allowed that to happen. From a reminder to an encouraging message, you always told me about the potential I had to make this dream an reality and I can't thank you enough for that.
Jay Adams (@FalconsJAdams) Thank you for the continuous support that you've shown to my website. Every time I posted a blog referring to the Falcons whether it was a recap, preview, or anything related to the Atlanta Falcons, you promoted that to the rest of Falcons nation and it gave fans the opportunity to read some of the hard work and determination that I put into each blog. You also exposed the followers on your account to read one of the most informative representation of a site dedicated to promoting Falcons football. You have also blessed me with an opportunity of a lifetime to join you at training camp later in the month and I'm thankful that you have supported me through this journey.
Dave Choate (@TheFalcoholic) Shortly, after I received the confirmation that I could interview Dominique Franks, you gave me a challenge to see could I use this opportunity and excel at the chance of a lifetime. As you continued to read my blogs, it was obvious that you saw the potential that this site possessed and I'm thankful that you decided to not only read my work but you also promoted the blogs to your followers and I want to thank you for that because you didn't have to recognize my talent but I'm blessed that you did.
Brandon (@BMccoy20) and Reggie (@REGGIES_WORLD) I held conversations with the both of you prior to my decision to become a full-time blogger and you both gave me motivation to even consider opening my own page. I remember reading both of your Hawks blogs and immediately becoming interested in writing my own about my favorite teams because you both expressed a tremendous amount of knowledge about basketball and I can't thank you enough for triggering the idea because that small encouragement led me to where I'm at today.
Kris Willis (@Kris_Willis) and Jason Walker (@JasonWalkerSBN) Last but not least, I must thank you two gentlemen for not only motivating me to start writing but to also bless me with a chance to join the Peachtree Hoops family. The last five months have been like a dream to me from writing about the Atlanta Hawks and receiving support from readers of Peachtree Hoops and SB Nation, but, the opportunity to write about the Atlanta Dream. Since the WNBA season started, I've had the chance to meet certain individuals whom I always looked up to since I was a kid such as Bob Rathbun and Lachina Robinson. Also, the chance to speak with Marynell Meadors and other well-known writers of women's basketball. Thank you guys so much for all you have done to make this dream come true for me and for that, I really thank you both.
TO ALL OF THE SUPPORTERS:
I want to thank all of you for the continuous support you've shown me over the last year for all of my blogs. Thanks to everyone who leaves a comment, re-tweet the link on Twitter, and promoted my work as well. All of the wonderful things you said to me and the encouragement to keep pushing my blogs out to everyone made me want to write these sports blogs for all of you. I have enjoyed the pleasure of expanding my knowledge of Falcons football, Braves baseball, and Hawks/Dream basketball to all of you and you've embraced each and every post I've made since last year. I'm looking forward to continuing to provide you with my blogs and the opportunity to receive an in-depth outlook on every team I cover. In two weeks, I'll start my preview blogs for the 2012 Atlanta Falcons campaign. Until then, thank you all for everything you've done to make All About Atlanta Sports a successful site!!!
