Codey Bates

Codey Bates was born and raised in Olive Branch, Mississippi, before moving to Memphis to live with his grandparents—a life experience that deeply shaped his character, resilience, and sense of purpose. While attending high school in Memphis, he met Nicholas Bryant, founder of the Long Leg Family Foundation, and the two forged a friendship rooted in shared values and a desire to uplift their community.

Codey continued his academic and athletic journey at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee, where he played collegiate basketball as a preferred walk-on. Without an athletic scholarship, he worked hard to finance his education through loans and academic awards, developing the perseverance and discipline that continue to guide him today.

During college, Codey served as Vice President of his fraternity, where he honed his leadership, event coordination, and organizational skills. His experiences inspired his passion for mentorship, becoming the role model and “big brother” figure he once needed.

Codey graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and went on to earn his Master’s degree in Criminal Justice with honors. He is currently preparing to enter law school in the fall of 2026.

As Vice President of the Long Leg Family Foundation, Codey channels his personal story into action, supporting programs that mentor and empower young people to overcome barriers and achieve their goals.