For me, it all started back home in my garage.
That was my first basketball court where I practiced with my dad.
His passion for the game was infectious.
I loved it from the moment I started.
I competed through high school and then began my college career at Biola University, a Division II school in California.
Looking back, I’m grateful I started out at a DII program.
Biola prepared me for the pace of play I was experiencing at Alabama A&M.
At Biola, I practiced hard, played harder, and was even named 2020 Pacwest Freshmen of the Year.
No doubt, Biola helped me find my stride before hitting the big stage.
After my freshman year, I transferred and spent two seasons at Alabama A&M. And honestly, adjusting to a DI program challenged me.
I needed to learn the new team dynamics and routine, and that stretched my comfort zone. But I’m grateful because I grew through each experience.
My time as a Bulldog was instrumental in my development as both a student and an athlete.
After two years in Alabama, I entered the transfer portal to find one more community.
Ultimately, I chose to return to California to play at San José State University. They embraced me right from the get-go, and I couldn't have appreciated that more.
Now, I just can’t wait to play for them.
My journey as a student-athlete is a whirlwind, but I wouldn’t change a thing.
Throughout my career, I never wanted to take a practice or game for granted. Every player dreams to play in college, and I’m one of the lucky few to live out that dream each day.
Sure, the days are long and the grind gets tough, but I reach for gratitude in those moments.
I try to take each opportunity as a lesson and a blessing.
And by sharing my story, I hope to encourage others to do the same.
Sharing Who I Am
Basketball is my favorite sport, but it's important to say — it’s not my identity.
I’m more than my jersey number and game stats. Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) opportunities changed the game so I can truly share who Amiah is.
For example, I want people to know I’m a Christian.
My faith empowers who I am and what I do.
I got to where I am because of God, nothing else. I want to use my platform to inspire and encourage young athletes so they can also learn to trust God’s path.
With His grace, I strive to be a positive influence in life and online.
Whether it's through my random dancing reels, brand partnerships, or my day-in-the-life vlogs that help me tell my story — I hope to give my audience a peek into what it's like to be a college hooper.
And my favorite part about my brand? My social media reflects me!
Each photo and video I post will show you my true personality and style.
Authenticity is the only way I know how to influence others.
One of our team mottos at Alabama A&M was “No Bark, All Bite.”
I want my actions to speak louder than my captions.
By staying true to myself, I hope my followers feel comfortable to be true to who they are.
NIL helps me connect with my audience and build valuable relationships with brands whose goals align with my own.
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities God gave me, and I am excited to continue to grow my personal brand to make a positive impact on the world.
Connecting with Brands
As a student-athlete, I have had the opportunity to work with several amazing brands.
While each partnership is special in its own way, there are a couple that stand out.
One of my favorite experiences was partnering with PSD, a lifestyle brand specializing in premium underwear and apparel. PSD is such a colorful, dynamic brand. They gave me a chance to experiment with my style and add my own creative touch to their content.
My partnership with Oikos Yogurt also holds a special place in my heart. That collaboration was particularly meaningful to me because of the time and effort we put into preparing the strategy for the campaign.
We wanted a meaningful way to integrate the product into my life so it was realistic to my daily routine.
I loved brainstorming how to approach that creative challenge. When the partnership was finalized, it felt like a major accomplishment, and I am proud of the work we did together.
As I continue to grow and evolve as an athlete and a brand ambassador, I look forward to forging new partnerships and expanding my network.
Moving Forward
While my journey as a student-athlete has been filled with ups and downs, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
I am grateful for the opportunities to compete at the highest level, pursue my education, and expand my personal brand.
To all the young athletes out there, I want to leave you with this:
If you love your sport and are passionate about it, pursue your dreams with everything you have. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it.
Finally, remember you are not alone. Whatever you’re going through, someone has overcome before you. Have faith, trust in God’s plan for your life, and know that anything is possible.
