The Wolfpacker

September-October 2024

The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports

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TRACKING THE PACK 14 ■ THE WOLFPACKER Kevin "KC" Concepcion emerged as a college football superstar last fall. His national profile rose while he racked up 1,159 total yards, won the ACC's Rookie of Year award and took home freshman All-America honors. During his ascent, the Wolfpack re- ceiver was coming up with a plan to use his platform to give back. This sum- mer, the current NC State sophomore launched the KC Concepcion Founda- tion, a nonprofit organization that puts together charitable events. From gathering school supplies to or- ganizing toy drives during the holiday season, the Wolfpack star has plans to give back to the Charlotte and Raleigh communities. Concepcion has contrib- uted his own NIL money to start this foundation, his mother, Arriel Concep- cion, told TheWolfpacker. In early August, the KC Concepcion Foundation worked with the Mecklen- burg County Sheriff's Office to provide lunches to ESCAPE campers — a free pro- gram for children in the Charlotte area. "We brought pizzas," KC Concepcion said. "We just want to help as much as possible in both communities — Ra- leigh, Charlotte and later on to every- where across the country." The foundation will provide tickets to 25 AAU basketball athletes and coaches to attend NC State's game against Ten- nessee in September. They will also host a tailgate event for those attending the game and their parents. Giving back has always been a part of Concepcion's character. Growing up in Charlotte, he was eager to assist those in need, helping out children, the homeless population and anyone else in any way he could. Arriel Concepcion explained that kindness toward youth comes naturally to KC. He grew up as the oldest sibling. "His brothers look up to him, and he tries to show them the way, give them advice and be there for them when they need it," she said. On the field, the receiver shouldered the bulk of the load for NC State's of- fense last fall, catching 71 passes for 839 yards and 10 touchdowns. He led the team in receiving and also finished second on the squad with 320 rushing yards. Kids all over the country look up to the ACC Rookie of the Year. Concepcion made a tremendous im- pact on NC State's 2023 season as a freshman. Now, he's trying to make his mark in the community. His mother, for- mer high school coach Chris Hawk, aunt Paula Miller, mentor Tony Cuthbertson and trainer Gary Green will all form a board to help run the organization. "We are in our beginning stages," Ar- riel Concepcion said. "We are getting started. We plan to stick around for the long haul and just be an inspiration to kids, while also just giving back and helping families that are in need. "KC comes from a household where we just have a big heart, and we try to give to those that we can." Later this year, Concepcion will help host a "trunk or treat" for kids in the area around Halloween. The event is scheduled for NC State's bye week. "Ever since I was young, I just always had the desire to give back to the com- munity," Concepcion said. The foundation has put together a back-to-school drive, and around Christmas, Concepcion said the orga- nization plans on buying food and toys to donate to shelters. The Wolfpack star wants to make a difference that extends well beyond his football career. "I just want to build something that I can pass on to my kids and pass off to my family," Concepcion said. "I want to make this a nationwide thing so that we can help out communities in every city." — Ethan McDowell STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE MONTH SOPHOMORE WIDE RECEIVER KEVIN "KC" CONCEPCION Looking to capitalize on his national prominence, Concepcion has launched a foundation that is involved in a variety of charitable endeavors. "KC comes from a household where we just have a big heart, and we try to give to those that we can," said his mother, Arriel Concepcion. PHOTO COURTESY NC STATE ATHLETICS

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