In the heart of Illinois, Olivet Nazarene University stands as a symbol of academic excellence, spiritual growth, and community. For Kinsley Reliford, a senior at Olivet, it represents not just a college choice, but a lifelong connection. With a childhood rooted in the Nazarene church, her journey toward Olivet was marked by a profound desire to find an educational home close to her heart and home. The story of her university selection is a testament to her unwavering commitment to her faith and family.
Reliford, majoring in Multimedia Communication, decided to study at Olivet Nazarene University because of her deep-seated connection to the Nazarene church and its proximity to her hometown of Peoria.
“I grew up in the Nazarene church, and I thought it would be a good fit to attend a Nazarene school for my college experience,” Reliford said. “It was important for me to have a college experience that aligns with my spiritual values.”
Family holds a special place in Reliford’s heart. She hails from a close-knit family of six, with two brothers, Colson and Hudson, and a sister named Kylin. They’ve been a significant source of support and inspiration throughout her life. Beyond her immediate family, Reliford’s beloved golden retriever lab mix, Russet, is an integral part of her life.
Reliford’s passion for sports is undeniable, and she’s set her sights on becoming a sideline reporter for a major network like ABC or FOX. Her journey towards this dream has been marked by hard work and dedication. She’s already gained invaluable experience by doing sideline reporting for various sports at both Bradley University and Olivet.
Currently, she’s interning with the Chicago Wolves, where she thrives in the fast-paced world of professional hockey.
“I absolutely love what I do,” Reliford said. “It’s a dream come true to be part of the sports reporting world.”
At Olivet, she extends her sports passion by working for Spark.FM, the student radio station. She co-hosts “Sports on Spark,” a show that delves into Olivet’s sports scene.
“It’s an incredible opportunity to connect with the campus community and share our love for sports,” Reliford said.
Reliford’s time at Olivet has been full of memorable moments, but her favorite one stands out vividly. “Coming back to Olivet for my last year after being at Bradley University has been awesome,” she reflected.
While Reliford’s professional life might be impeccably organized, her roommate, Rachel Boehning, provided some insights into her roommate’s less tidy side.
“Kinsley’s a great roommate, but she does have her messy moments,” Boehning said. “I’ve had to remind her a few times to keep her side of the room clean.”
Reliford took the teasing about her tidiness in stride, adding, “I might be a bit messy sometimes, but it happens. It keeps things interesting!”
As Reliford continues to pursue her dreams in sports reporting, her connection to Olivet Nazarene University remains a crucial part of her journey.
