Lance's Charlotte connection.
Queens University, Charlotte Pride, running, community, and the city that became part of Lance's story.
The city where a new chapter began.
When Lance moved into Queens University of Charlotte as a freshman in August 2019, his family came with him.
It was move-in weekend. It was also Charlotte Pride weekend.
For Lance's family, that memory has become part of the story. Their first weekend helping Lance begin college was also a weekend filled with Pride, community, visibility, and joy. It helped shape the connection Lance would build with Charlotte.
Charlotte became more than a college city. It became part of Lance's growth, leadership, friendships, education, identity, and community.
Queens, leadership, and belonging.
At Queens University of Charlotte, Lance became known not only as a runner, but as a student leader and community builder. He competed as a student-athlete, earned his MBA, served in student leadership, and contributed to a campus environment where people could feel included and valued.
His time at Queens reflected so much of who he was: driven, compassionate, authentic, and committed to making people feel like they belonged.
Mile 4.3 / Full circle
A full-circle connection with Charlotte Pride.
Because Lance's first weekend in Charlotte coincided with Charlotte Pride, the connection between his legacy and Pride carries deep meaning.
Lance's Legacy is now connected to conversations with Charlotte Pride and Q Fitness and Wellness around building support for a future scholarship fund honoring Lance. The goal is to support LGBTQ+ students and strongly allied students who are emerging as leaders and giving back to their communities.
This is not just a fundraising idea. It is a full-circle moment.
The QFW 5K benefiting Charlotte Pride.
The QFW 5K benefiting Charlotte Pride is an established community wellness event led by Q Fitness and Wellness. The event brings people together through movement, wellness, visibility, and community support.
This year, the event creates an opportunity to help support a future Charlotte Pride scholarship fund honoring Lance Sotelo.
Participants can run, walk, jog, cheer, donate, volunteer, bring friends, or take part in the ZeroK, an option for people who want to show up and support the cause without completing the 5K.
Movement can look different for everyone.
The ZeroK reflects something important: community support does not have to look one specific way.
- 01Some people run.
- 02Some walk.
- 03Some cheer.
- 04Some donate.
- 05Some volunteer.
- 06Some simply show up.
All of it matters.
A scholarship rooted in belonging.
The future scholarship fund honoring Lance would support students connected to the LGBTQ+ community or strong allies who reflect the values Lance lived: authenticity, perseverance, service, leadership, and love.
Lance was a runner, but the scholarship should not be limited only to runners. His legacy is bigger than one sport. It belongs to young people who make others feel seen, who keep going, who lead with kindness, and who are building futures rooted in courage and community.
Charlotte helped shape Lance.
Now his legacy can help shape Charlotte.
Through Lance's Legacy, Charlotte Pride, Q Fitness and Wellness, Queens connections, and community supporters, Lance's story can continue making an impact in the city he came to love.