If you haven’t seen her videos promoting our upcoming Handshake America Celebration at the Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, OH on June 20, you need to meet Tololupe “Tolu” Omokore. Tolu is our Handshake America intern and is driving the awareness campaign for the upcoming Celebration! Perseverance, Passion, Positivity, People, and Presence are the foundation of everything we do. Tolu is a student, an NCAA athlete, and now a graduate of the University of Central Florida and in just a few words you’ll see how she embodies each of the 5P’s.
Student: Tolu graduated from the University of Central Florida with a degree in Human Communications with a 4.0 this past semester and has been on the Dean’s list 3 years running!
Graduate: I used “running” because she was accepted into the UCF DeVos Sports Business Management Graduate Program, so in her continuing education, she has the opportunity to continue her academic success!
Athlete: This past season, as a Senior academically, the 5’ 11” Redshirt Junior played Forward for the UCF Knights Women’s Basketball team. Recognized on and off the court, #25 made the American Athletic Conference Honor Roll and has a knack for keeping things light and positive while taking care of business. She’s been a part of making the people and teams around her better since early on, winning two State Titles at Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Maryland.
So, why the Redshirt designation, you ask? Tolu tore her ACL and missed the entire 2017-2018 season. That was a tough loss for the Knights. They went on to battle to a 22-11 season, but when she returned in 2018, the Knights caught fire. Despite the injury and setback, she stayed positive, persevered, and made her presence known on the court. They went 26-6 (13-3, The American) and earned their first at large NCAA tournament bid. Tolu will forgo her final season of eligibility to concentrate on her Master’s program and career.
It may be no surprise to anyone who meets her, but Tolu says she identifies most with Positivity. Why? She loves being able to bring positive energy to people who need it. Watch for her video updates on social media leading up to National Handshake Day and the Handshake America Celebration.
Join us for the Celebration on June 20 and join us in congratulating one of our own on her past, present, and future success! Congratulations, Tolu!
Matt Draudt