I often get asked what my favorite experience as a student-athlete at Friends University is. It’s always a tough question for me because my experience here has been so unbelievably good and impactful on my life.
But if I had to choose, I’d probably have to go with game days. We’re a small school in the NAIA, but on game days, it doesn’t really feel like it.
I remember when I first came here, Coach Harrison always had this saying: “Make the big time where you’re at.”
He’s lived up to that statement because the production the athletic department puts on makes it feel like we’re as big as any other college in the country.
It’s been special to share these moments with the coaches and teammates I love.
The People
But more than anything, it’s been all about the people here at Friends.
That’s why I decided to stay around campus as a GA coach for the football team. The coaches, staff, and faculty members here have all had an enormous impact on my life.
A perfect example is Coach Harrison. When he came in, he taught me how to be a better football player and a better man.
He made me realize that life isn’t just about me or my success. It’s about celebrating other people’s success and being the best teammate I can be for this football team.
I can only thank him for what he’s done for me and this program.
The people at Friends are just different.
I don’t think there’s a single person in the athletic department that isn’t going to say ‘hello’ when you’re walking down the hallway.
They’re going to check on you and make sure you’re doing okay. They’re going to care about you.
It’s not about the place, it’s about the people.
And I feel like here at Friends, we have really good people in every single department. They’ve always been there for me and supported me.
I can’t thank them enough. This is a very special place to me, and it holds a special place in my heart because of the people.
Dreaming Big
I’ve always been a dreamer, but as a student-athlete at Friends, I’m dreaming bigger than ever before.
The coaches here have made such a positive impact on my life, and I want to do the same for other student-athletes one day.
That’s why I’m so thankful to Coach Harrison for giving me the opportunity to earn my master’s degree and start my coaching career here at Friends.
I don’t think there’s any better place for me to get a year of experience around good people and good mentors.
The people here have taught me how to become a better man, player, and person.
Now, I get to do that for the next generation of Falcons.
Friends University has done more for me than I could’ve ever dreamed of or asked for, and I’m beyond grateful for this opportunity to give back to the school and football program that has changed my life.
