Anna Burlacu
My name is Anna Burlacu, and I am a high school student passionate about computer science and athletics. The Athlete Scholar nonprofit initiative galvanized my desire to spring into action and to inspire younger kids to embrace technology and to lead active and healthy lifestyles by engaging in sports. As an ambassador I derive great joy from supporting younger kids, guiding them to unravel the possibilities of coding and technology. I am also so excited when I see kids taking their first steps on tennis courts under my coaching.
My first exposure to computer science during my middle school years felt mesmerizing, emboldening me to seek extracurricular classes in coding. Soon enough, I discovered the joy of creating content in Python and Java, I learned about Internet of Things during summer classes with Rice University ELITE Tech, and I discovered the power of data analytics. Inspired by the vision of what programming and technology can achieve, I have built a growing community of like minded colleagues and have started to teach computer science to students as young as 12.
I am also a passionate and high achieving tennis player. Having participated in UTR sanctioned tournaments across various states, I have progressed consistently in my tennis career, reaching the top 100 fastest growing junior girls tennis players in the U.S., and as a freshmen I have been selected varsity starter on the high school tennis team. I take pride and happiness in inspiring kids from a young age to pursue tennis. When I was asked by professional coaches to join them in giving tennis classes to groups of young players, I was thrilled I had the opportunity to open new horizons for kids and to teach them not only tennis skills, but also the importance of hard work, discipline and pursuing your passions.
Luca Tanasa
My name is Luca Tanasa, and I am a proud ambassador for The Athlete Scholar. I posses a strong passion for academics and athletics, as well as the desire to encourage younger generations to appreciate the benefits of combining the two. My hobbies are swimming and water polo. Overcoming the challenges of balancing sports with school has taught me that with focus and resilience, there are no boundaries to what one can achieve. Giving back to society is very important to me, which is why I joined The Athlete Scholar. Currently I am a mentor for several younger kids who are just starting their competitive swimming career, and in this role I teach them not only the technical aspects of the sport, but also the value of sportsmanship, resilience, and the importance of excelling both at school and in sports. Some of the kids are also my students in science tutoring classes. I take great pride and pleasure in passing on to the next generation all that I know.
Pranav Tayi
My name is Pranav Tayi, and I am one of the ambassadors for The Athlete Scholar. I am passionate about giving my best to sports and academics, while also being a strong believer in the value of teaching the younger generations the importance of excelling at both. A competitive golf player, I have learned from a young age that with discipline and hard work, one can balance intensive sports activities with demanding academics. Despite a hectic schedule, I am excited to join The Athlete Scholar and teach golf to kids in our community and beyond. I have forged great mentorship relations, and I have been asked by some of the kids to also tutor them in math. Joining The Athlete Scholar has given me a fresh perspective on the energizing and uplifting power of giving back to the community.
Arjun Viswanathan
My name is Arjun Viswanathan, and I am a high school student in Texas. I have joined The Athlete Scholar because I have a fiery passion for sports and school. In both areas, I strive for continuous learning and greater performance, and I am passionate about empowering colleagues and younger kids to view the world through those lenses. Witnessing younger kids that I tutor understanding a new concept, or seeing their expressions when they learn a new dribble move in basketball or a new shot in tennis, brings me joy and satisfaction. These moments keep fueling my ardor for school and athletics. Help a kid improve, whether in basketball or math, and you feel like a better person.
Morgan English
I am an accomplished soccer player from the Dallas area. I enjoy coaching soccer and tutoring science. I started playing soccer as an elementary schooler, and my love for the sport and for the team spirit grew the more I played. Combining sports and school taught me the importance of perseverance, following your passion, and giving back.
Sydney Derendinger
I am a passionate cheerleader and I love tutoring English.
I joined The Athlete Scholar inspired by its values. I am excited to help kids explore English language and literature.
Looking to Join The Team?
We are looking to build a team of talented, driven individuals who share the same mission and values.