Osawese Agbonkonkon is not your average college student. He is a junior student-athlete at the University of Texas at Austin, balancing a demanding track and field schedule with a 3.8 GPA as an Economics major. More than a semester ahead of many of his peers due to his strong high school record and multiple high AP exam scores, he already has his sights set on Law School and a future JD-MBA. Yet his ambition stretches far beyond the classroom and the track. Osawese is also a published author who launched his own publishing house, Songspire Press, and released his debut YA action adventure novel titled Psychic Suit.
His book blends Sci-Fi, Thriller, and Urban Fantasy elements, and although fictional, it approaches weighty real world themes like war, political influence, mental health, alcoholism, terrorism, and the impact of power. Centering Black characters was nonnegotiable for him. As an African American storyteller who grew up hungry to see more representation in the genres he loved, he made sure his heroes reflected kids who look like him.
When asked what first inspired Psychic Suit, Osawese remembers his childhood imagination as the spark. He spent countless hours watching cartoons, playing video games, and creating storylines with his best friend on the trampoline behind his house. Once he learned to write, he started putting those ideas on paper. What began as a playful pastime eventually transformed into the foundation for his novel.
As he grew older, his writing grew with him. He explains that the book originally had a more childish feel because he was a child when he first started it. With time came new perspectives, which pulled him toward a more complex direction. That shift led him to explore political influence, mental health, and the darker edges of power. He wanted to raise questions that were relevant and meaningful while building a rich Sci-Fi world. For him, leaning into deeper themes made the fictional universe more grounded.
Starting his own publishing company came at a moment when the NIL rules reshaped opportunities for student-athletes. Osawese saw this as the perfect time to leverage his platform. He has always had a business mind, so launching Songspire Press felt like a natural next step. It allowed him to treat his writing like a real enterprise instead of a side hobby.
Despite his accomplishments, he admits the toughest part has been accepting compliments. He is his own biggest critic, sometimes questioning whether readers genuinely enjoy his work. But the unexpected messages from people who found him on social media just to tell him they loved the book have been deeply rewarding. After six years of writing, revising, rethinking, and pouring himself into these characters, seeing others connect to them has been the ultimate payoff.
Osawese approaches athletics and writing with the same discipline. He follows what Nick Saban famously called process oriented thinking. Rather than obsessing over outcomes like winning championships or gaining praise as an author, he focuses on the day to day work. Whether he is training on the track or building a scene in his novel, the goal is to improve through consistent effort instead of fixating on the finish line.
For young readers, especially young Black readers, he hopes the story pushes them to reflect. He wants them to ask how much of the fictional world mirrors real life and whether that reality is one they want to live in. If the answer is no, then what actions need to be taken. He also hopes they walk away understanding that their voices and stories matter. If they get a chance to tell those stories, he believes they should take it and run.
Managing his busy schedule takes intention. He keeps it simple by writing everything he needs to do in his notes app and knocking tasks out one at a time. Watching items disappear from his list gives him a sense of progress. His advice to other students juggling large dreams is straightforward. Sometimes you just pick a time, start working, and keep going until the list is clear.
Osawese sees a bold future ahead. In five years, he envisions not only advancing Songspire Press but expanding it into the larger Songspire Corporation. He imagines two branches: Songspire Press for literary works and Songspire Media for film and TV adaptations. Inspired by David Ellison’s rise with Skydance, he plans to build a creative empire of his own. His goals include releasing at least five books and bringing a movie or television show to life within that timeframe.
The feedback that touches him the most is simple. People enjoying the story. Readers connecting with the themes, the characters, and the world he spent years building. Knowing that his work resonates is what keeps him moving forward.
Osawese Agbonkonkon is a young writer with discipline, vision, and a clear sense of purpose. His journey proves that creativity and ambition can coexist even in the busiest seasons of life. With his dedication and drive, it is clear that Psychic Suit is only the beginning.
Be sure to visit his website for more information and follow him on Instagram.
Images Courtesy of Osawese Agbonkonkon
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