Help Bring Local Sports Coverage to Life – One Photo at a Time

$0 raised of $3,500 goal (0%)

The Stillwegian is ready for its next big step: local sports. Not just scores, but full stories—told through sharp, emotional photos and fast-turnaround game reports that capture the heart of high school sports in our town.

To make that happen, I need better tools.

Right now, I’m using a 16-year-old entry-level DSLR I dug out of storage. It’s a start, but it’s not built for fast-paced action or dimly lit gyms. And while the iPhone has come a long way, it simply can’t match the look – or the credibility – of professional gear.

Carrying a camera instantly marks you as media. It’s like wearing a uniform. People take you more seriously. But traditional DSLRs are loud. That clicking mirror and shutter? Not ideal when I’m trying to cover a quiet city council meeting or sneak a great moment during a concert.

That’s why I’m raising funds to invest in a mirrorless camera—specifically a used Canon EOS R6 and a fast telephoto lens. This setup is silent, sharp, and versatile. It’s exactly what I need to capture indoor sports like volleyball and basketball, plus events like choir performances, parades, and more.

Focusing in on Pioneer Volleyball

My first goal? Covering high school volleyball this fall. It’s fast, dramatic, and hard to shoot—perfect training ground for leveling up my photography.

Bonus: my stepdaughter made the team, and I want to make sure these girls get the spotlight they deserve.

But I’m not stopping at photo galleries. I plan to publish full game reports that combine standout images, stats, and storytelling. Over time, I want to expand into coverage of every kind of student activity—from varsity sports to robotics, band, and even esports.

• This fundraiser is about more than just a camera. It’s about giving Stillwater students – and our community – the kind of coverage they’ve earned.
• Scroll down to see an example sports report.

If this vision resonates with you – if you believe in better local journalism, stronger student recognition, or just want to see sharper photos on The Stillwegian – I hope you’ll consider contributing.

GOAL: $3,500 to take the next big step

Whether you’re an individual reader, a proud parent, or a local business, there’s a tier that fits your level of support and helps move this project forward. Here’s how you can be part of it:

$25 - Pro Camera Backer

Public thank-you mention on The Stillwegian website + inclusion in a special “Camera Fund Backers” article

$150 – Event Photo Session Gift Certificate

An on-location photo session (e.g. event, behind-the-scenes, performance, or market coverage) – transferrable to a friend or local organization

$250 – Sports Photo Gallery Sponsor

Be the Name Behind the Game

This fall, I’m publishing two sports photo stories every week – capturing the energy, emotion, and highlights of Stillwater high school athletics. With The Stillwegian reaching 5,200+ website readers and 60,000+ on social media per month, your business will be seen twice a week, all season long.

✅ Ad placement in fall sports photo galleries
✅ Featured in multi-photo posts on Instagram and Facebook
✅ Your business tagged in every social caption

Only 6 sponsorships available. Support local sports – and make sure your brand shows up in the moments everyone’s sharing.

Example Volleyball Game Report

Stillwater Outlasts Edmond North in Three-Set Thriller

Rodriguez leads with 17 kills as Pioneers rally to win decisive set at home

📅 Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2025 📍 Stillwater High Gymnasium

Final Score:

Stillwater 2 – Edmond North 1
Set scores: 25–18, 22–25, 15–11

🔥 KEY PERFORMERS

• Emma Rodriguez (Stillwater, OH) 17 kills, 9 digs, 3 aces
  Dominated the outside, especially in Set 3 with 6 clutch kills.
• Ava Johnson (Stillwater, L) 18 digs, 92% serve receive accuracy
  Anchor in the back row; her passing steadied the Pioneers during a shaky second set.
• Lila Sanders (Edmond North, S) 24 assists, 4 kills, 2 blocks
  Kept Stillwater guessing with deceptive sets and surprise dumps.

📊 TEAM STATS

🎯 MOMENTUM SHIFT

After dropping Set 2, Stillwater opened Set 3 on a 5–0 run behind senior server Kaylee Adams, whose low, floating serve forced three straight errors. The Pioneers never trailed again.

🧠 COACH’S CORNER

“We responded with grit tonight. Edmond North is well-coached, but our girls dug deep in Set 3 and made every touch count,” said Stillwater head coach Drue Brown.

📷 Photo Gallery

(not my photos, just examples)