Local woman stars in Army recruitment video
SUGARLOAF, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— On this week's Veterans Voices, a woman with ties to NEPA is the star of a new video campaign, spotlighting careers in the U.S. Army Reserves.
But her story began far away from the field of battle, it started on the balance beams and uneven bars of Luzerne County.
'If you learn how to be all that you can be in one situation in life you can do it in all of them,' said Sugarloaf native, Lt. Bryanna Hamilton.
The new army reserve video campaign is called 'It's your time', and the star is a Sugarloaf native and gymnastics instructor named First Lt. Bryanna Hamilton.
The video shows how soldiers are using their skills and expertise to impact reservists, but it also shows how resiliency and hard work can motivate others, an attitude first Lt. Hamilton exemplifies.
'Perseverance has always been a characteristic through my life. Whether it was when I was a gymnast or in the army, when things have not gone to plan, but there's always a way to get back up no matter what happens to you to find another avenue to be successful in life,' voiced Hamilton.
Hamilton is from a military family. Her father is a retired Colonel and both her grandfathers served.
She was a high level gymnast as a teen, but an injury ended her competitive career. She began med school at Penn State, eventually enlisting in the reserves.
Her athletic setback became her motivation, and now she's a USA gymnastics coach, teaching students the importance of bouncing back, especially after a fall.
'I have two daughters and one son and both of my daughters are gymnasts,' said Hamilton.
Her entire family is in the video. It shows Lt. Hamilton coaching her oldest daughter for the Jr. Olympics. She says that pride in family was passed down from her military dad.
'Following in his footsteps and trying to make him proud and maybe a little friendly father/daughter competition. Trying to fill his shoes if I can get there someday. Definitely something I've always taken pride in,' expressed Hamilton.
Lt. Hamilton gets back to NEPA periodically, and has a message for her family and friends back home.
'I love the food, I miss you guys so much. Can't wait to come home and see you all,' voiced Hamilton.
Lt. Hamilton is currently in Salt Lake City working as a military police officer and company commander, recently helping at detention facilities from Fort Leavenworth to Guantanamo Bay.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
27 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Aussie swim sensation Mollie O'Callaghan breaks down in sad poolside revelation
Aussie swimming star Mollie O'Callaghan broke down in tears at the Australian world championship trials on Wednesday night, after shedding light on her personal struggles and the weight of expectation that comes with her 'status' as an Olympic champion. It came after O'Callaghan qualified for the world championships in Singapore by winning the women's 200m freestyle in Adelaide. The Paris Games gold medallist clocked a time of 54.43 seconds (1:54.43) to beat teammate and fellow Olympian Lani Pallister, who set a new personal best time of 1:54.89 in stunning scenes. O'Callaghan was Australia's most successful athlete at last year's Olympics with three gold medals, plus a silver and bronze. But 21-year-old took a five-month break from the pool in a bid to balance her competitive instinct with having fun after admitting that she's struggled with the pressures that have come with her success. And describing her swim as 'awful' in a poolside interview with Aussie great Cate Campbell after the race, the emotions came flooding out as O'Callaghan revealed what she had been going through. "Look, I've had a rough couple of past months," a tearful O'Callaghan said. "Tonight was really stressful for me, and I think even though it's not exactly the time I want, it's (been) hard to like come back (after the Paris Games). "I would say this lead-up has been the hardest thing that I've experienced so far, so I'm happy I can make the team (for the Singapore world titles) this year. I don't think there's been anything as hard as this, coming here and trying to race and trying to defend my Olympic, I guess, status in a way." O'Callaghan said her rise to stardom came with an enormous burden of expectation and the plan to enjoy herself a bit more hadn't exactly panned out as she battled a knee injury this year. "After the Olympics, I achieved everything I wanted to and I needed that mental recovery after that," she said. This year is about having fun but there's been a lot of curve balls thrown at me so it's making it very hard to have fun." Fellow Olympic champion Cam McEvoy issued a warning to his rivals after posting the fastest 50m freestyle time in the world this year to beat Kyle Chalmers in the final. The 21-year-old clocked 21.30 seconds to edge out Chalmers - who set a personal best time of 21.68, but McEvoy said there's room for even more improvement. "I definitely think I can go faster before the world champs; how much though I'm not sure," said McEvoy, who won last year's Olympic final in 21.25. "But longer term, like more LA (2028 Olympic) levels to the future, I think, yeah, there's a lot more I can improve." Also on Wednesday night, Sam Short's return to form continued by winning the men's 800m freestyle in 7:40.95. While 16-year-old sensation Sienna Toohey won again in the women's 50m breaststroke, one night after selection for the worlds by winning the 100m breaststroke. Harry Turner also booked his ticket to Singapore by winning the men's 200m butterfly in 1:54.90. with AAP
Forbes
an hour ago
- Forbes
Nuni Omot Takes Olympic Lessons Into The 2025 AfroBasket
South Sudan's #05 Nuni Omot and teammates celebrate winning at the end of the men's preliminary ... More round group C basketball match between South Sudan and Puerto Rico during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Pierre-Mauroy stadium in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, northern France, on July 28, 2024. (Photo by Sameer Al-Doumy / AFP) (Photo by SAMEER AL-DOUMY/AFP via Getty Images) In an era where sports continue to transcend boundaries, South Sudan's debut at the Paris Olympics stands out as a powerful testament to resilience, hope, and national pride. On the hardwood of Paris, the world's youngest country did more than just compete, it announced its arrival. Among the trailblazers was Nuni Omot, a standout 6'9" forward who averaged an impressive 16.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists during the Games. For Omot, the moment was far more than athletic achievement, it was the embodiment of identity, purpose, and belonging. 'I had dreamed about moments like that but it's different when you're actually living it. When the flag is on your chest, and the world is watching,' Omot shared in an interview with during the BAL Playoffs, currently taking place in Pretoria, South Africa where he is currently competing with Rwanda's APR. Born in a refugee camp in Kenya and raised in Minnesota, Omot's journey mirrors the broader story of South Sudan itself, defined by adversity, endurance, and an unwavering pursuit of recognition on the world stage. As the team stood shoulder to shoulder with global giants, their presence was a bold declaration: We are here. Not just present, but worthy. Not just surviving, but contending. Omot confirmed in the interview that he has committed to representing South Sudan at the upcoming AfroBasket tournament, a continuation of a journey that's no longer just about basketball. It's about building something lasting, inspiring a new generation, and showing the world that South Sudan's rise is only just beginning. LONDON, ENGLAND: JULY 20: Nuni Omot #5 of South Sudan drives to the basket past LeBron James #6 of ... More United States during the United States V South Sudan USA basketball showcase at The O2 Arena on July 20th, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images) For Omot, the Paris games were a culmination of years of sacrifice, grit, and belief, fuelled by a relentless pursuit of representation. 'People don't realise how special the Olympics is until you're in it. You're around the best athletes in the world, and you realise: we earned this. Some people never get that chance. For us, it was long overdue.' South Sudan's journey to the Games wasn't supposed to happen this fast. Just over a decade ago, the country didn't have a pipeline, or a presence in global basketball. However, under the visionary leadership of Luol Deng, former NBA All-Star and current president of the South Sudan Basketball Federation, the program began to take shape. 'That's where it all started, with Luol,' Omot says firmly. 'He had the vision. But more than that, he built something we could all believe in. It's easy to have an idea, but when the whole team buys in? That's when it becomes real.' The team's meteoric rise has left many in the international basketball community stunned. However, Omot isn't surprised. 'We're a team of competitors. We don't care about how it looks on paper. We know who we are. We've been through a lot. And when you play for something bigger than yourself, it shows.' LILLE, FRANCE - JULY 28: Nuni Omot #5 of Team South Sudan and Carlik Jones #4 of Team South Sudan ... More react during the Men's Group Phase - Group C match between Team South Sudan and Team Puerto Rico on day two of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade Pierre Mauroy on July 28, 2024 in Lille, France. (Photo by) With the Olympics behind them and the 2025 AfroBasket on the horizon, South Sudan now finds itself in an unfamiliar position: the hunted, not the hunters. 'At the Olympics, people were cheering for us. They saw us as the Cinderella story,' Omot says. 'Now, they're coming for us. Everyone wants to beat the number one team in Africa.' It's a shift Omot doesn't take lightly. While the support in Paris was overwhelming, from fans, media, and even other athletes, the next phase of the journey demands even greater focus. 'We've got to stay grounded,' he says. 'Remember what got us here. The unity, the discipline, the work.' That humility is matched by a rising sense of responsibility. As one of the team's veterans, Omot is preparing to take on more leadership, both vocally and by example. LILLE, FRANCE - JULY 28: Team South Sudan celebrates after their sides victory during the Men's ... More Basketball Group Phase - Group C match between Team South Sudan and Team Puerto Rico on day two of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade Pierre Mauroy on July 28, 2024 in Lille, France. (Photo by Christina Pahnke - sampics/Getty Images) For Omot, the Olympics weren't just a historic milestone for South Sudan, they were a masterclass in what it takes to compete at the highest level. Now, as he looks ahead to AfroBasket, he's bringing those lessons with him. 'Just playing against the best basketball players in the world, NBA Hall of Famers, guys who will be first-ballot, it really puts things into perspective,' he says. 'The game is global now. When you face that kind of talent, you see the standard. Their discipline, their professionalism, that's what sets them apart.' One of those moments came against his basketball idol, Kevin Durant. 'To go up against him and see that level up close, it confirmed everything I believed,' Omot says. 'There's a reason he's one of the greatest. Their names will live forever.' The takeaways weren't just about talent, they were mental. Omot knows the margin between winning and losing often comes down to mindset. 'Regardless, if you make mistakes, you can't ever let that deteriorate your mindset,' he shared. 'Stepping on the floor, no matter who you play, you should always feel like you are the best player.' That unshakable belief, the same one that carried South Sudan to the Olympics, will be central to their AfroBasket campaign. For Omot, it's not just about bringing talent to the floor; it's about bringing a championship mentality, shaped by the highest level of competition the game has to offer. PRETORIA, TSHWANE - JUNE 9: Anunwa Omot #5 of Armee Patriotique looks on during the game against the ... More Rivers Hoopers Basketball Club during the 2025 Basketball Africa League Playoffs on June 9, 2025 at SunBet Arena in Pretoria, Tshwane. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Regis Hirwa/NBAE via Getty Images) South Sudan's Olympic debut is part of a broader narrative: the ascent of African basketball. The continent has long been rich in talent but starved for opportunity. That's starting to change. 'There's so much talent here,' Omot says. 'People are starting to notice. It's not just about the NBA anymore. We've got guys playing in Europe, the G-League, Asia, and of course, the BAL.' Omot has played in all of those places, but it's his recent return to the Basketball Africa League (BAL) with APR of Rwanda that speaks volumes about where his heart is. 'People ask me why I came back to the BAL. I tell them: because I care about this place. This is home. I want to grow the game here.' It's not just patriotism, it's a long-term view of impact. 'Whether it's Rwanda, Kenya, or South Sudan, it's all Africa to me. And if I can help the game grow, if I can show kids that you don't have to leave the continent to be successful, that matters.' Having already won a BAL title, Omot knows what it takes to build a championship team. At APR, he's been brought in not just for scoring and size, but for experience and leadership. 'I joined APR because they were honest with me,' he says. 'They told me how I could fit in and what they needed. I didn't want to step on anybody's toes. I wanted to add value.' APR headed into the BAL playoffs with momentum and ambition, and will compete for a podium finish come Friday. Omot has made an immediate impact, averaging 19.3 points, 2.3 assists and 5.3 rebounds per game. 'Defense wins,' he says without hesitation. 'Everyone talks about scoring, but it's stops that win games. The teams that limit mistakes and control the boards, those are the teams that win.' For Omot, the road ahead is as much about impact as it is about accolades. Beyond preparing for AfroBasket, he's thinking generationally, about what it means to give back, to create pathways, to change lives. 'There's just so much untapped talent here in Africa. One day, I hope I can do something, maybe be that scout, because I see what's possible.' It's no longer just about South Sudan being seen; it's about Africa being believed in. For Omot, that belief is the foundation of legacy. And if Paris was South Sudan's grand introduction to the world, then this next chapter is about building something that lasts, on the court, across the continent, and far beyond the final buzzer.
USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
Steph Curry will return to Tahoe celebrity golf tournament at Edgewood in summer 2025
Steph Curry will return to Tahoe celebrity golf tournament at Edgewood in summer 2025 Show Caption Hide Caption Video: Steph Curry's hole-in-one at Tahoe celebrity golf tournament Steph Curry's ace on the 152-yard hole No. 7 was his second ever and first in a tournament. Reno Gazette Journal After taking 2024 off from the celebrity golf tournament, Steph Curry will be back at Edgewood Tahoe for the 2025 event. Curry, the 2023 American Century Championship winner, is back in the field to defend his 2023 title in the 36th annual tournament July 9-13 at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course. The Golden State Warriors star had to miss the events in 2024 to play basketball for the gold-medal-winning Team USA at the Paris Olympics. In the 2023 American Century Championship at Edgewood, Curry drained an 18-foot putt on hole No. 18 to take a dramatic win over Mardy Fish. Fish won the ACC in 2024. When Curry won the ACC in 2023, he made a hole-in-one on the 152-yard 7th hole, followed by a celebratory sprint from tee to green, which was among the most prominent viral sports video highlights of 2023. It will once again be a Curry family affair with Dell and Seth Curry also joining the celebrity field of 90 sports and entertainment stars. The tournament will feature Hall of Famers from the NFL, NBA and MLB, active and retired players, and Hollywood actors, comedians and entertainers. The three-day, 54-hole event includes a $750,000 purse, with $150,000 going to the winner, plus a charity component for local and national nonprofits. The celebrity golf tournament includes fan favorites Charles Barkley, Tony Romo, Travis and Jason Kelce, Colin Jost, Miles Teller, Ray Romano, Nate Bargatze, Larry the Cable Guy, Brian Baumgartner and Jack Wagner and Jim McMahon. Those last two are the only players who have competed in every tournament. Current NFL stars include 2024 MVP Josh Allen; first-timer George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers; Aaron Rodgers; Baker Mayfield; Davante Adams; Kyle Juszczyk; Adam Thielen; Trevor Lawrence; Matt Ryan; and New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel. NFL Hall of Famers participating at Edgewood include Jerry Rice, Steve Young, John Elway, Emmitt Smith, Marcus Allen, Charles Woodson, Tim Brown, Brian Urlacher, DeMarcus Ware and Dwight Freeney. Retired MLB superstars include Alex Rodriguez, Albert Pujols, Hall-of-Famer Joe Mauer, Kevin Millar, Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley. More top players competing are Annika Sorenstam; Joe Pavelski, the former Dallas Stars and San Jose Sharks center; MLB Hall of Famer John Smoltz; former Red Sox pitcher Derek Lowe; and NBA Hall of Famer Ray Allen. The 2025 American Century Championship will utilize the Modified Stableford format whereby points are awarded by score per hole. The event will be televised by NBC Sports, GOLF Channel and Peacock over the course of the three days. Since its inception in 1990, the American Century Championship has donated more than $8 million to local and national non-profits including the Stowers Institute for Medical Research, a 500-person, nonprofit basic biomedical research organization.
