Bradley Kim (Photo via Instagram)

Bradley Kim, a defensive back for the Air Force Falcons, has come out as gay making him the first out athlete at a service academy.

According to OutSports, the sophomore came out to his teammates on Friday and received a standing ovation.

“They tell me they appreciate the fact that I felt confident enough, and they meant enough, for me to tell them,” Kim says.

After receiving a positive response from his teammates and head Falcons coach Troy Calhoun, Kim decided to make a public announcement on Instagram.

“I did not think this day would ever come, but I’ve finally reached the point where I am comfortable and confident enough with myself to say that I am gay,” Kim, who plans to serve in the military after graduating, writes. “It’s been a long road to get to this point and I definitely would not be here without the love and support of my amazing family, teammates and coaches here at the academy, and my equally amazing friends. I feel blessed to have such receptive and understanding people in my life.”

“I hope that I can serve as an example to those who are allowing their fear of acceptance to change who they are. I almost gave up my dream of playing division 1 football for fear of not being accepted by everyone, but today I am happy to say that I am a cadet at the Air Force Academy playing the sport I love with amazing people standing behind me and supporting me,” he continued. “If anyone feels like they don’t have a voice or feel like they are alone, just know there are plenty of people out there like you and me, and more that are willing to talk to you about it. God bless all and thank you to everyone who has made me feel comfortable to live my most genuine life.”

Jeremiah 29:11?? God made me this way for a reason. I did not think this day would ever come, but I’ve finally reached the point where I am comfortable and confident enough with myself to say that I am gay. It’s been a long road to get to this point and I definitely would not be here without the love and support of my amazing family, teammates and coaches here at the academy, and my equally amazing friends. I feel blessed to have such receptive and understanding people in my life. I hope that I can serve as an example to those who are allowing their fear of acceptance to change who they are. I almost gave up my dream of playing division 1 football for fear of not being accepted by everyone, but today I am happy to say that I am a cadet at the Air Force Academy playing the sport I love with amazing people standing behind me and supporting me. If anyone feels like they don’t have a voice or feel like they are alone, just know there are plenty of people out there like you and me, and more that are willing to talk to you about it. God bless all and thank you to everyone who has made me feel comfortable to live my most genuine life.?? Twitter/Instagram: @bradleykkim [email protected]

A post shared by Brad (@bradleykkim) on Jul 27, 2018 at 12:05pm PDT

Kim says he was also inspired to come out because of Conner Mertens, a former Willamette University football player who was the first active college football player to come out.

“The positive reaction Conner got from his team is probably the biggest reason I’m able to come out to my team,” Kim says. “He’s just a genuine person. He’ll reach out just to make sure I’m doing OK. Just the type of person Conner is helped me a lot.”