Cadet Sullens wins AUSA scholarship
University of North Georgia (UNG) cadet Olivia Sullens won the Condor Outdoor Products Scholarship totaling $10,000 from the Association of the United States Army (AUSA). Sullens is pursuing a degree in strategic and security studies with a concentration in language.
The 19-year-old freshman worked on her application over the summer while participating in the Summer Language Institute on UNG's Dahlonega Campus and this fall while playing on the UNG women's soccer team. She was notified on Nov. 15 she would receive the scholarship, which required essays and letters of intent explaining Sullens' course of study and post-graduation plans.
"The AUSA scholarship award for Cadet Sullens is a testament to her demonstrated performance and high potential as a future Army officer," Col. Bryan Kirk, UNG professor of military science, said. "Her tenacity as a UNG women's soccer player is equally matched in the classroom and on the corps drill field. She exemplifies the scholar, athlete, and leader that our nation is seeking to lead our Army into the future."
Inspired by growth and ambition, Sullens said she plans to learn a great deal with this opportunity.
Dream big, but keep your focus small. You cannot expect to achieve your end goal if you do not focus on the smaller parts that lead up to it. Whatever it is you want to achieve, take it step by step.
Olivia Sullens
UNG cadet and women's soccer player
"I enjoy learning new things, especially now since I can attend school and study what interests me," the Gainesville, Georgia, resident said. "I want to learn as much as possible from others about their experiences."
One of the people she gets to learn from weekly is UNG head women’s soccer coach Kayley Ralton, her mentor. Ralton believes the awarding of the AUSA scholarship is an awesome opportunity for Sullens.
“I am not surprised that Olivia was chosen for this award. She is a leader that goes above and beyond on and off the field,” Ralton said. “She’s always striving to learn and better herself in any way she can. I truly believe our future is in good hands with Olivia at the forefront.”
Despite being at UNG for a short time thus far, she shared how her interactions have allowed her to grow. Sullens has found the importance of having meaningful goals.
"Dream big, but keep your focus small," she said. "You cannot expect to achieve your end goal if you do not focus on the smaller parts that lead up to it. Whatever it is you want to achieve, take it step by step."
Her goal is to commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army as an intelligence officer after graduating in May 2026.
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