Hi, I'm Kerry Gifford, a Musician from Mahomet, Illinois .

Mahomet is a small but lively town where everyone knows everyone, and growing up there gave me plenty of chances to dive into two of my biggest passions: sports and the music.

Athletics were a huge part of my life. In high school, I played varsity soccer as a midfielder. I was known for strategy and teamwork. Being captain in my senior year was a highlight. I loved pushing myself and motivating my teammates, both on and off the field. But soccer wasn’t the only sport I loved. I was also on the swim team, competing in freestyle and backstroke. Winning awards in the pool took a lot of discipline and effort, and I enjoyed every bit of it.

The arts were just as important to me. Theatre became a true passion. I acted in lead roles for Les Misérables and Our Town, and playing Jean Valjean was unforgettable. Those experiences sparked my deep love for performing arts. At Ivy Tech, I’m still involved in theatre, joining student productions and even directing a one-act play. It’s been an incredible way to keep growing creatively.

Music is another big part of my life. I taught myself to play guitar and piano. I perform original songs with friends at local coffeehouses and open mic nights. Singing with Ivy Tech’s a cappella group is a blast, too. I’m inspired by artists like Phoebe Bridgers and John Mayer, and making music with others brings me pure joy.

My friends say I’m upbeat and energetic. I can have deep talks about social change one minute and crack jokes the next. I love lifting people up, whether it’s through music or a casual conversation.

I dream of combining sports and the arts. I see myself working in sports broadcasting or creating entertainment content. No matter where I land, I’m committed to performing and sharing my creations. Balancing all these passions is my story, and I’m just getting started.