Former South Carolina Star Markeshia Grant Honored for Transforming Opportunities for Girls in Sports
For South Carolina women’s basketball fans, Markeshia Grant remains memorable for her outstanding performance against Tennessee in 2012. Grant knocked down seven three-pointers in a single game, helping the Gamecocks secure their first-ever victory in Knoxville before continuing their historic run to the NCAA Sweet 16. More than a decade later, she is making a different kind of impact, earning recognition for her dedication to creating opportunities for girls in sports.
Grant recently received the Toyota Everyday Heroes Award at the ESPNW Women+ Sports Summit in Ojai, California, honoring her work to improve access to athletics for girls, particularly girls of color.
“I was in shock to get the award because I’m one who normally just does the work and keeps my head down,” Grant said. “I’m not looking for recognition.”
Grant currently serves as executive director of Epic for Girls, a nonprofit organization based in Omaha, Nebraska. The organization researches, advocates for and supports innovative solutions to address inequalities in sports opportunities for girls of color.
The ESPNW Women+ Sports Summit brings together influential figures from sports and entertainment for two days of discussions, conversations and sessions. Through its Toyota Everyday Heroes program, the event recognizes organizations working to expand and strengthen opportunities for women and young girls in athletics.
For Grant, the award represents recognition of a mission that goes far beyond competition and winning games.
“Epic for Girls is at the heart of sports for girls because we create opportunities for girls to play sports for the first time, get access to safe places to play, build community, and build confidence and a sense of belonging,” Grant said.
She explained that the organization works with schools and community groups throughout Omaha to connect young girls with the resources they need to participate in sports.
“We partner with organizations within Omaha from our school systems to community organizations. We serve around 1,700 girls per year. Essentially, we want to be sure girls are playing sports, have access to great coaching, and have something to look back on as they transition to play in college or become a professional.”
Grant Uses Her Basketball Journey to Inspire the Next Generation
Grant’s own experiences as an athlete helped shape her commitment to making sports more accessible. Having benefited from opportunities to compete throughout high school and college, she now wants other girls to experience the same personal growth and possibilities.
“I see myself in a lot of the girls we serve,” Grant said.
Her leadership involves developing partnerships, building relationships and securing resources that help young athletes participate, whether through equipment, funding or additional support.
“Being able to have opportunities to walk into rooms, make partnerships, and build relationships that will provide funding or create a strategic partnership that will provide equipment or resources or anything that girls need to play is very rewarding.”
She emphasized that the greatest reward comes from watching girls gain confidence and discover their potential.
“The most rewarding thing is to provide opportunities and access for girls. Athletics gives these girls a sense of belonging, confidence, and skills beyond the court or field.”
From ESPN to Community Leadership
Before joining Epic for Girls, Grant completed both her undergraduate and master’s degrees while working at Swansea High School in South Carolina. She also worked as a production assistant for ESPN broadcasts in the state, allowing her to remain connected to the sports industry.
“That was just another way for me to stay in sports,” Grant said.
“This is a full-circle moment for me because I started my professional journey working for ESPN nine years ago. Now, I’m getting recognition from them. Later I started my own organization and was doing team building and player development. That was a steppingstone for me in building relationships and networking.”
Grant’s journey demonstrates how an athlete’s influence can extend well beyond the court. Her transition from college basketball to community leadership has allowed her to help young girls access opportunities that can shape their futures.
Despite her professional accomplishments, Grant has maintained a strong connection to her South Carolina roots. She has not forgotten the program where she made her mark, and she plans to attend several Gamecocks women’s basketball games this season, including their season opener in Paris, France.
Her latest honor celebrates more than a successful career. It recognizes a commitment to ensuring that the next generation of girls has the opportunity, support and confidence to pursue its own sporting dreams.
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