We Are: Behind the Scenes

Conference USA partnered with Middle Tennessee State University’s internationally renowned Department of Recording Industry to create original music for the league’s marketing and promotional efforts. Out of that collaboration came We Are, a powerful anthem written by Lilly Hart (MTSU ’26) and selected to anchor a brand spot celebrating women’s sports. 

When CUSA presented its creative brief to MTSU songwriters, Hart immediately connected with two simple words in the league’s messaging playbook: We Are. By the time she left the meeting, the chorus was already playing in her head. Her inspiration also drew from her lifelong involvement in sports and the songs she used to get hyped before games. 

Hart’s own journey bridges sports and music. She played basketball at Birmingham-Southern before transferring to MTSU in 2023, where she is now completing her final year. For much of her life, sports were the focus—constant training, practices, and games. But music was always close by, helping her reset, connect, and dream of a career as a songwriter. Now pursuing music full-time, Hart finds her escape in the gym, trading hours on the court for sessions in the studio. 

Her dual passions shine through in “We Are,” a track that pulses with energy, resilience, and collective spirit. With its anthemic vibe, uplifting rhythm, and heartfelt lyrics, the song captures the limitless potential of women in sports—and beyond. The song resonated instantly with CUSA, inspiring a project dedicated to celebrating women in sports. 

Hart is manifesting a future in songwriting not just for her own artist project, but also for commercials and television. Having her song chosen for CUSA’s campaign was a full-circle moment. For Hart, creating the song and the lyrics just fell into place. Her hope is that We Are becomes a song that everyone can relate to—an anthem that reminds listeners that with passion and hard work, anything is possible.