Matthews Overcoming Adversity Scholarship

As a 13 year old High School Freshman, I found the courage to try something new by trying out for the wrestling team in 2001. The team needed a Varsity Heavyweight and I was being recruited for the position. Being the most unfit wrestler on the team, I started miles behind everyone else. Keeping up with team workouts was extremely challenging but I gave it my best. Throughout the year, my coaches would ask me if I thought about quitting- "Yes, everyday!" The thought of quitting certainly infiltrated my thoughts but that's as far as it went. Quitting wasn't an option. I didn't have it in me to turn my back on my coaches and team. I had to finish what I started. Going from the sofa, where pizza and video games were life, to competing against the biggest and best; I recognized the urge to change my habits. This pivot is where my strength training journey emerged. I began weight-lifting each year and set 2 school records in weight-lifting for Push Press (315 lbs) and Squat (595 lbs). In wrestling, I went from having 7 wins my first year to scoring the Most Wins in a Season. I compiled 113 career wins as a 4 year Varsity Starter at Glenn High School. As a rising Junior, I suffered a knee injury at a Summer Wrestling Camp which required surgery and 6 months of rehab. Due to my medical condition, I was forced to sit out of competition for one month into wrestling season. With 8 more wins or two weekend tournaments, I could've captured the school record for Most Career Wins. Instead, I finished ranked among the Top-5. I graduated High School as a North Carolina Academic Scholar, National Honor Society Member, a NCHSAA 3-A Regional/State Champion, and an AAU National Champion. I was the recipient of the Distinguished Athlete Award presented by the United States Marine Corps (USMC) and awarded the 2005 Upper Weight Wrestler of the Year Award in the Piedmont Triad Conference. My successful performance in academics/athletics positioned me to obtain a scholarship to wrestle at the next level for Campbellsville University where I became a 4-year starter, 3-Time National Qualifier, and 2007 NAIA Champion of Character. I earned my Bachelors in Business Administration as a First Generational College Graduate. My passion transitioned into coaching. From 2009-2014, I served as a Volunteer Coach for a High School wrestling team. Since June 2021, I've been serving as a Volunteer Coach for an FCA Wrestling Club which requires a 2-hour commute per practice. I've decided to matriculate to the University of Miami as a Transfer Undergraduate to major in Exercise Physiology and Biochemistry/Nutrition. I plan to gain a higher education in Health and Fitness to ascertain credentials that will contribute to a sports coaching career. I intend to get involved with coaching/leadership activities at the University while pursuing a second bachelors degree. As an athlete, I understand the importance coaches play on an athletes development. From building confidence and teaching discipline to developing fundamental skills to maximize your potential, coaches lead the way! As a coach, I've come full circle to witness the impact players have on coaches. Coaching is not a seasonal position but is often treated that way. Athletes are investments that require coaches to sacrifice time, energy, money, and often relationships to dedicate their lives to helping others pursue their goals. As a coach, you learn it's not about wins/losses. It's certainly not about the money. It's about serving a greater purpose. Coaches sacrifice everything to serve others. If that's not God's work, what is?