Oct. 22, 2024 | Emily Reier '28
Following the untimely passing of their daughter, Olivia, Brad Knighton ’06 and Britney Eldrige-Knighton ’07 have created a scholarship in her honor. The Olivia Knighton Endowed Scholarship for Men’s Soccer will be annually awarded to assist a deserving student-athlete in the men’s soccer program at UNCW.
The Olivia Knighton Foundation — established on what would have been Olivia’s 12th birthday (Nov. 3, 2023) — serves to honor Olivia’s short but beautiful life. It is the foundation’s goal to enable children to follow their dreams and make the world a better place by providing scholarships and grants, spreading acts of kindness, and supporting the causes that were most important to Olivia: children’s welfare, protection of animals, and education. The Endowed Scholarship for Men’s Soccer is one example of several scholarships established under the foundation’s Love for Liv Learning Fund. In 2024, the foundation raised nearly $25,000 in scholarships to help kids go to college, camps, or play sports.
UNCW Athletics and Men’s Soccer hosted the 2nd annual “Olivia’s Game” — a tribute to Olivia, and an opportunity to raise money and awareness for the foundation — on Oct. 19, 2024. UNCW head coach Aidan Heany coached Brad while he was at UNCW, calling him a “second son.” The two partnered to create the first-ever edition of “Olivia’s Game” in 2023, and Heaney serves on the foundation’s board of directors.
Brad and Britney have a special connection to UNCW — having met each other during undergrad. Olivia carried on that passion and love for UNCW. Her favorite color was teal, and she was incredibly proud of her father’s accomplishments as part of the UNCW Men’s Soccer program.
Recently retired from a 16-year playing career in Major League Soccer, Brad is currently a New England Revolution Academy head coach for the under-19 age group. During his time at UNCW, he studied interdisciplinary studies and was a four-year varsity athlete for the men’s soccer team, still holding several records. He was inducted into UNCW Athletics Hall of Fame in 2018.
In Oct. 2024, Heaney announced Men’s Soccer player #7 Osei Gyamfi as the first recipient of the Olivia Knighton Scholarship, saying “He is the perfect candidate to receive the first Olivia Knighton Scholarship. He is a joy to be around and, like Olivia, just draws people to him. I couldn’t think of a better choice!”
Visit the Olivia Knighton Foundation to learn more about Olivia, how to get involved with the foundation’s mission, and give to the scholarship fund.
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