Alana Akil
Alana Akil is a talented sports photographer and journalist currently serving as the Sports Editor for The Ole Miss Yearbook. A student at the University of Mississippi pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communication, Alana combines her passion for storytelling with her keen eye for sports photography. She has developed a strong presence in the campus media community, contributing to The Daily Mississippian and serving as Director of Photography for the Ole Miss Associated Student Body. Her work spans photojournalism, graphic design, and social media content, reflecting her versatile skill set and dedication to capturing compelling moments in sports.
Alana’s journey into sports photography began during her freshman year when she interned with Ole Miss Football, later expanding her experience to Ole Miss Athletics and campus media outlets. Despite health challenges that prevented her from participating actively in sports, her love for the games inspired her to document them through photography. She has also cultivated her freelance career with AJA Photography, covering events ranging from NCAA tournaments to community sports, and has served as a Social Media and Creative Ambassador for Ole Miss NIL initiatives. Her commitment to excellence has earned her recognition such as an Honorable Mention in the Cynthia Krieser Award for Outstanding Freshman Writing and success in DECA competitions.
Outside of her professional and academic pursuits, Alana is dedicated to volunteer work and mentoring, managing the website for Unite, a nonprofit organization that provides sports camps for underprivileged children. She is an active member of Alpha Omicron Pi sorority, where she has held roles as Graphics Coordinator and Matching Coordinator, and participates in campus organizations such as the Ole Miss School of Journalism Ambassadors. Through her work, Alana continues to combine her passion for sports, storytelling, and community engagement, positioning herself as a rising talent in sports media and photography.
• Honorable Mention Cynthia Krieser Award for Outstanding Freshman Writing
• 2nd Place in DECA Apparel and Accessories Marketing Event
• Unite
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the positive experience I had working under Josh at Ole Miss Athletics. His encouragement of creativity and the invaluable mentorship he provided helped shape my professional growth and inspired me to strive for excellence in all that I do.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important values to me in both my work and personal life are passion, strong work ethic, and creativity. In my current role as a sports editor, I focus on mentoring younger students and interns, helping them develop these same qualities in the field of sports photography. Beyond my professional work, I am committed to giving back to the community through volunteer efforts, including mentoring children at a church after-school program and supporting sports scholarships that provide opportunities for young athletes to thrive.
Locations
The Ole Miss Yearbook
Oxford, MS 38655