Anyssa Hampton, a fifth-year senior majoring in Public Relations and Sports Management at Olivet Nazarene University, is a true testament to God’s steadfast provision for our lives. As Hampton continues to intertwine her passions with the path that she is paving, there is no doubt that the world has, and will be, forever impacted by Hampton’s heart for humanity.
Born March 27, 2000, Hampton grew up in Chicago, Illinois. With a reluctant smile gracing her face, she affirmed that she will forever be a city girl at heart.
Hampton’s ultimate goal is to work with sports teams on their branding, marketing and graphic design. Since 2020, Hampton has partnered with Olivet Nazarene University (ONU) Athletics. Hampton initially got her foot in the door from Hailey Foster-Armstrong, former Graduate Assistant for ONU Communications and Football.
This desire to work in sports was not birthed out of spontaneity. Rather, sports have played a major role in Hampton’s life.
Just six years old, young Anyssa Hampton put on her first jersey, tied up her cleats and hit the field running. At the time, running the soccer fields in 1st grade was her escape from reality; little did she know that each time the wind swept through her hair, a deeper passion for the world of sports was being instilled within her.
ABOVE IMAGE: Hampton, back row, fifth from the left. Photo provided by: Anyssa Hampton
On top of soccer, growing up Hampton dabbled in softball and volleyball.
Hampton explained her passion for sports by stating that it, “…ignites a fire in [her].”
It’s one thing for someone to enjoy sports from the bleachers or the student section, but for Hampton, where the true charm is placed is on the sidelines, breaking ground for the operations and media crews.
Truly, God used in the past and continues to form purposes for the future, the role of sports in Hampton’s life.
RIGHT IMAGE: Hampton’s recent opportunity to photograph a Chicago Fire game. Photo provided by: Anyssa Hampton
Through sports, Hampton has been presented many opportunities throughout her college career.
In 2020, when Hampton started with ONU Athletics, she worked with Football on its media team. From that door, Hampton was led to the opportunity to be a student writer for ONU Athletics in 2021. Currently, Hampton is an ONU basketball manager, ONU Athletics student worker and graphic designer for ONU basketball.
Hampton, in one word, is unstoppable.
Although the world and the humanity in those around her, many a time, have failed her, she just keeps going. It is Hampton’s ability to bounce back time and time again that she believes is worth sharing with the world.
Hampton has not allowed herself to be labeled out of the negative moments in life, but rather, understands her God-given worth and the pursuit of perseverance as she keeps on striving.
Outside of sports, Hampton boasts many other hobbies! With her love of graphic design, Hampton carries a deep seeded passion for branding.
As she put it, “A company is only as good as its brand.”
She explained that just through a simple scroll of her Pinterest account, one could come to understand much about herself: a 23-year-old, passionate storyteller.
Hampton has recently taken up photography. She is a lover of the video game SIMS. Music is her creative gateway. She has taken ballroom dance classes. Her friends have become family as she has built a support system which she relentlessly relies on. She is a faithful follower of Jesus Christ.
As Hampton’s former college roommate and friend Grace Doyle reinforced,
“[Hampton] is bold, artistic and loyal.”
IMAGE: Hampton (left) and Doyle (right). Photo provided by: Anyssa Hampton
Hampton is a learner by heart.
Doyle says, “[Hampton] has always been there for me. And never fails to get me through hard times.”
Hampton graces each day with gratitude and intentionality. With a humble spirit, Hampton continues to pick herself up, and with God by her side, tackles every mountain and valley she encounters.
While writing the story of her life, line by line, Hampton is crafting a masterpiece. A knit-together story that through the grace and glory of God is being used to demonstrate that even in moments that seem impossible, there is nothing impossible for our God.
Hampton is geared to graduate this May, 2023. Although her future plans are not yet determined, it is likely that we will be seeing Hampton integrated into the world of sports.
What we know for sure, is that this world is blessed by the fiery passion that Hampton holds as she continues to pursue her dreams.
What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.
John 13:7, NIV
