Why did you choose to attend Amherst?
When I began my college decision process I prioritized ensuring that whatever school I attended would be a change of scenery. When I visited Amherst in November of my senior year, stepping foot on campus and speaking to current Amherst students helped me gain a sense of “this is where I am supposed to be.” I made the decision a week later that I would be continuing my academic and athletic career as a Mammoth.
What extracurricular activities or service activities do you participate in?
On the Amherst Campus I am a member of several extracurricular activities. These include being on the E-Board for CACSAC (Council of Amherst College Students Athletes of Color), a member of NISA (Native and Indigenous Students Association), and a member of the Amherst Real Estate Club. I joined CACSAC and NISA because I wanted to find a way to get more involved on campus with athletes of color and my fellow Native American students. As for the Real Estate Club, I’ve participated in several real estate internships and have enjoyed them. A teammate of mine founded the club I felt it only natural to become a member of it.
Looking back on your four years, what are you most proud of?
I think I am most proud of facing all of the adversity that came with COVID taking away three semesters of my time at Amherst. Not far into my freshman spring (Spring of 2020) we were all sent home and I didn’t step foot on campus again until Fall of 2021. As a result of our 2020 football season being canceled, I did my entire sophomore year remotely. But I’ve persevered through it all and I believe I’ve come out a better person who will never take any time on-campus for granted again.
Is there anything special about your uniform number?
Growing up I was always a fan of Deion Sanders. There’s no debate he is one of the greatest athletes of all time and because of his impact on the game of football I wear #21. I wore it my junior and senior year of high school and have worn it in college since my sophomore year.
What is something you enjoy doing that you never get tired of?
Something that gives me great joy–as simple as it might me–is just going for a walk. In Dallas, going for walks in the summer is much more difficult but when I’m at Amherst I take full advantage of the temperate climate and frequently walk around town or campus because I see it as an opportunity to re-center myself and be alone with my thoughts.
What has been your favorite class outside of your major?
My favorite course outside of my major was titled “Youth School Pop Culture.” We examined the impact pop culture has on education and engaged with texts and movies that are labeled as pop culture staples yet are used in the classroom. I enjoyed this course because it’s one of those topics that you rarely think about until you discuss it. Not only was this course intensive, but it was enjoyable as well because some nights we had to watch movies for homework!
Who is your favorite professor?
My favorite professor to this day is Professor Barry O’Connell. Since taking my first course with him in Spring of 2020, his teaching style accompanied by his sense of humor is a combo I have yet to see replicated. Spring and Fall of 2021 I was honored with the position of being his TA for courses he instructed. Working under and with such a brilliant individual greatly impacted my career as an English major and without him I do not believe I would be the man I am today.
What internships/research projects have you participated in?
I have participated in several real estate and private equity internships in the past and have thoroughly enjoyed them. I gained a great amount of insight into the world of commercial and residential real estate during those internships, and have also done work reviewing and critiquing business plans within my private equity work. But my favorite internship to date has been my work in NIL. Through all 35 partnerships that I have under my belt, I’ve gained practical experience in presenting myself to businesses, communicating with executives and CEOs, and understanding the internal workings of the marketing world.
Who has been the most influential person to you during your time in college?
During my time at Amherst there've been several individuals who have heavily influenced me in really positive ways. But the one who stands above all is my Head Coach, Coach Mills. His approach to being a head coach of 80-plus football players is something that I deeply admire. Being a collegiate athlete is a privilege and he often communicates that, but our eligibility only lasts 4-5 years. His focus centers on making his players better people, students, and athletes–in that order. He always tells us that academics come first no matter the situation and that is what makes him such an influential individual in my life.
What is something interesting about you that others might not know?
Something that many folks might not know about me is the necklace I wear around my neck. People often comment on the fact that I wear a basketball pendant around my neck even though I am a football player. The reason for this is because the pendant belonged to my grandmother who passed away a couple years ago. She and I were very close and her passing had a great impact on me. The pendant I wear is from her 1953 JV basketball team and I wear it so she can always be close to me and protect me no matter where I am or where I go. There are only two situations in which it leaves my neck: gameday and workouts.
