Photographer and community advocate Mitch Seaworth is using his new feature interview to raise awareness about the role of local college athletics in strengthening community identity. Seaworth, a former coach and lifelong sports enthusiast, now focuses on capturing the emotion and energy of local sports through photography. His mission: to ensure that the stories of effort, pride, and teamwork inherent in these games are seen and remembered.
According to the NCAA, only 2% of college athletes will ever play professional sports. Seaworth notes, 'When athletes play at their local community colleges, they are often not doing it for scholarships or fame. They're doing it for the love of the game and to perfect their skills. That's where the real heart of sports lives.' He argues that photography helps preserve these moments, keeping the stories alive for families and future generations. 'A single photo can tell an entire story—a look of determination, a team huddle,' he explains.
Seaworth also advocates for everyday storytelling, encouraging community members to document local games using the technology already in their pockets. 'Bring your phone to a game and capture what's happening around you,' he says. 'Not just the scoreboard, but the small stuff—the pride, the emotion, the effort. That's what lasts.' He believes that anyone can contribute to preserving their community's stories through photos, videos, and written reflections.
For Seaworth, photographing local sports is about connection. His work reminds communities that these games are cultural anchors. 'When people look at my photos, I want them to remember what it felt like to be there,' he says. 'That's what community is—shared experiences that bring people closer.' He adds that these connections are especially vital in smaller towns, where college sports often serve as the glue that binds generations together.
Seaworth's message is clear: everyone has a role in celebrating the stories happening in their own backyard. He encourages people to attend local games, take photos of everyday moments, share those moments to remind others of community value, and volunteer to help local sports programmes thrive. 'Sports connect us,' he says. 'If we don't take time to notice and remember those moments, we lose part of what makes our communities strong.'
To read the full interview, visit the website here.
