Giles County Native Named Finalist for National Youth Athlete of the Year Award

PULASKI, Tenn. — A young athlete from Giles County is gaining national recognition for her achievements in competitive dance.

Nine-year-old Kezziah has been named a finalists in the 2025 Youth Athlete of the Year competition, a nationwide contest that celebrates standout athletes under the age of 18. Known for her expressive lyrical dance performances, Kezziah competes across the country and has consistently placed at the top of her division.

According to her competition profile, Kezziah credits her success to hard work, faith, and support from her family and community. “She loves dancing,” the profile states. “She emotionally executes every dance she performs and gives credit to Jesus Christ for her abilities.”

Now in the final round of voting, Kezziah has the chance to win a $25,000 award and be featured in a 3BRAND advertisement in Sports Illustrated. Public voting is open through Thursday, August 7, with free daily votes available online. Proceeds from donation-based voting benefit The V Foundation for Cancer Research and the Why Not You Foundation.

To vote for Kezziah or learn more about the competition, visit athleteoftheyear.org.