By Logan Mullarkey – Sports Editor

JT Nelly, a 2024 Jonathan Law graduate, is excited about the journey he’s on as he works toward his future at the United States Coast Guard Academy. 

After only a short summer break, Nelly quickly began his preparation for the next steps in his career.

“It’s been very exciting,” Nelly said. “After I graduated, I only had about a month of summer before I reported to Coast Guard Academy for my swab summer. Now I am at Naval Academy Preparatory School in Newport for a year playing football with all of the Navy commits, and as long as I keep a 3.0 GPA, I will receive my full appointment to the Academy for next year.”

At Naval Academy Preparatory School, Nelly is part of the football team, competing against strong opponents.

“I am playing football for Naval Academy Preparatory School where Navy and Coast Guard commits that receive a conditional appointment attend for a year before reporting to their respective academies,” Nelly said. “The football team is currently 5-0, beating #2 JUCO nationally ranked Nassau, Navy’s own JV team, as well as other preparatory and JUCO teams.”

Nelly also shared some advice for students thinking about their future.

“My advice is to get good grades your freshman and sophomore year,” Nelly said. “You may not think it matters, but my cumulative GPA was a huge factor when being recruited by schools for football as well as just looking at schools as a student.”

Looking ahead, Nelly knows what he wants.

“My goals moving forward are to receive my full appointment to the Coast Guard Academy,” Nelly said.

With his focus on academics and football, Nelly is working hard toward making his dreams a reality.