By Dr. Keith Adams

At the CKA SAVE Project, I spend a lot of time talking about "Time Poverty." It is the silent tax paid by every elite student-athlete in America. We challenge our interns to achieve 100/100—giving 100% to their sport while simultaneously giving 100% to their professional evolution.

It is a radical standard. But today, one of our own proved it isn't just possible—it’s the new blueprint. I am incredibly proud to congratulate Sydney Seabrooks, a standout freshman at UNC-Chapel Hill and a cornerstone of our CKA Virtual Internship Program (VIP), on being named to the 2026 All-ACC Gymnastics Team.

The Standard of Excellence

Sydney’s rookie season as a Tar Heel has been historic. I’ve watched her climb the national rankings to 9th in the NCAA on floor exercise, posting a 9.925 or higher seven times this year. Her career high of 9.950 puts her in the top tier of UNC program history, and her move into All-Around competition has already landed her at 6th all-time for the university.

But what the fans in the stands don't see is the work she does when the lights are off.

Redefining the "Internship"

While Sydney was busy catching the attention of gymnastics fans across the country, she was also hard at work in our "office." As a Psychology major with sights set on a pre-health career, Sydney joined the CKA VIP because it mirrored her personal mission: to empower and instill confidence in others.

In her own words, Sydney told me:

"While being a collegiate athlete has shaped my skills of time management and teamwork, being an intern at the CKA SAVE Project has refined them. Dr. Adams trusts his interns to be responsible for their assigned projects... This allows us to strengthen skills that are vital for our future careers."

That trust is the bedrock of what we do. I don't believe in "busy work." I believe in Execution over Observation.

Bridging the Gap: The CKA Impact

Sydney is the living embodiment of our "Pre-Accelerator" model. The CKA VIP isn't a traditional 9-to-5; it is a sport-first incubator. By working asynchronously between training sessions, travel days, and meets, Sydney has contributed to the data collection and marketing strategies that drive our organization forward.

She is proof that when you provide a student-athlete with a "Grace-Based" professional platform, there is no limit to what they can achieve. She didn't "find" more time; she used the time she already had more effectively.

We are honored to have an All-ACC talent on our leadership team. Sydney’s success proves that "Finding the Balance" isn't just a curriculum—it's a lifestyle.

Congratulations, Sydney. You are showing the world what it means to go "Beyond the Scholarship."

Invest in the Future of Leadership

The CKA SAVE Project is committed to providing elite student-athletes with the tools to bridge the gap between the stadium and the boardroom. To continue this mission and support our next generation of leaders, we are seeking contributions to directly fund the research, mentorship, and "Grace-Based" platforms that allow athletes like Sydney to excel in every arena of life.

• Donate Today: www.ckasaveproject.org/donate
• Apply or Partner: Click the Contact Tab on our website to join the movement.

Follow the Journey: Look for Sydney’s debut on our Intern Voices blog series this April!