The underdog athlete has to work hard, especially if they want to make it and persevere in the tough world of athletics.   Speed….height… there are so many factors that can not be changed or fixed, but can be over come.

I’m going to share Brandon’s story today…. I taught him as a freshman so I remember this specific transition where he went from a ‘C’ report card, to an ‘A’ the next, and never looked back.  He was an honor roll student from that point.  The next year I didn’t have him in class, but we talked often about art and football… He was never too cool to say hello to his teachers.   To understand Brandon’s story you must checkout the awesome article that was just written about him HERE.    If you have a few minutes take the time to watch is video as well.   The video tells his high school story and the article his college one which is not over yet.    Trust me both are worth it, and I will get to my point next.

So I remember Brandon’s senior year when he was trying to find that perfect D1 college to play football.   I remember talking to adults/coaches/teachers that all said the same thing.   He really is not D1 material.   Unfortunately his height is just not what recruiters want, regardless of what we all know (duh that he is amazing on every level).  They all said he should really play at a smaller school, perhaps even D2 or D3.   One thought went through my mind…. “I REALLY hope he doesn’t listen to everyone else”

See…..  I was told the same when I was picking my college to play field hockey.   I chose the harder route.   I chose a fantastic program (funny it was ODU, where Brandon plays).   But the important thing is I CHOSE MY PATH.   I didn’t let others tell me what to do, and I knew it my heart it was what I wanted.  Even if I didn’t become a superstar.    The lessons I learned and the memories I made are priceless.    I CHOSE MY OWN PATH.

Is this sounding familiar?    Any Entrepreneur is doing the same….. choosing their own path.   A business owner starts their career from the ground up, from nothing.   The same way an underdog athlete builds their athletic success story.   They know they have to work harder, they can’t just punch the clock at practice, they have to practice more and practice harder.   Just like the Entrepreneur works more and learns more.   We can’t simply punch a time clock and get paid.

The heart, drive, passion, and tenacious attitude make up the successful entrepreneur.

These are the exact same ingredients that make up amazing athletes like Brandon.

To say that I’m happy I taught Brandon is an understatement.   Seeing the video of him, and all the articles, bring happy tears to my eyes.  My memories of students like him are worth all the money that teachers are underpaid and under appreciated.   I can’t wait to go to an ODU game and watch Brandon lead his team.