Something They Don’t Teach You in School

Something They Don’t Teach You in School

I’m a small-town boy from Salisbury, North Carolina. I grew up in the schools most parents didn’t want to send their kids to — underfunded, overlooked, and written off before we even had a chance. I started my story with a chip on my shoulder, and if I’m being honest, it began the summer of my junior year in high school when I stepped onto the baseball field at Catawba College.

That summer, I played American Legion baseball for Rowan County. I was the only Black kid on the team, and it didn’t bother me because I already knew the world I was stepping into. I didn’t know if I’d get any playing time until my dad reminded me, “You are powerful on that field. Play anywhere they place you.” That was the moment belief entered my system. Encouragement found its way into my heart. By the end of the summer, I was starting every game — which led to a baseball scholarship at Catawba College.

But God had even more in store. I also earned a football scholarship, following in the footsteps of my father — one of the greatest linebackers in school history, enshrined in the Hall of Fame. My childhood bedroom walls were filled with his number 55 jerseys and photos. He was a middle linebacker. I wore 55 too.

But reality came fast. I wasn’t as good as I thought I was. My sophomore year, an ACL injury took me out for the entire season. That forced a decision — pick one sport. I chose football, but my priorities shifted. I stopped worrying about playing time and started thinking about my life after sports.

That’s when I dove deep into strength and conditioning. I began my coaching career at NC State during my sophomore summer, determined to coach at every organization I could before graduation. One day my junior year, sitting in class, I emailed every professional sports team in North Carolina looking for an internship. Stewart-Haas Racing answered.

My first day, I wore khakis and a polo — but instead of meeting the strength coach, I met the pit crew coach. He asked if I was the new recruit. I said yes. He told me to come back tomorrow in athletic wear. That one bold decision changed my life. I learned how to hang tires, started grinding through unpaid work, and balanced it all while still being a full-time college athlete.

My senior year was pure grit. I’d wake up at 3 a.m., lift with the football team at 5, drive to Kannapolis for pit crew practice at 8, head back to campus for five classes, then go to football practice at night. I learned to weather the storm — body exhausted, mind wanting to quit, but my spirit anchored in Philippians 4:13:

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

When football season ended, I was ready to go full-time. But after my last game, I was released the following Monday. My dream shattered.

That’s when God showed His faithfulness. Through a connection with a former Catawba player, I was hired at Team Penske less than a month later. My second semester senior year, I was a full-time salaried pit crew athlete — still enrolled in classes. I remember doing a race in Daytona, driving back overnight in a sprinter van, and walking into my 9 a.m. class with tire grease still on my face.

Along the way, I was offered a strength and conditioning job with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Every opportunity came from relentless outreach and prayer — asking God to guide my steps, even when I couldn’t see the path.

Graduating wasn’t easy. Balancing coursework and a full-time pro career was a test in itself. I learned the truth of James 1:12:

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”

Not everyone supported me. Some doubted, some stayed silent. But one month after graduation, I was in Victory Lane at Daytona, celebrating the Wood Brothers’ 100th win.

School teaches you to collect credentials, play it safe, and follow the rules. But life demands something different. It demands sleepless nights, dirty hands, and the courage to bet on yourself when no one else will.

I’m not the most talented. I’m not the fastest or the strongest. But I will outwork anyone. I will support those around me. And I will weather any storm with God as my anchor.

To the people who’ve shaped my journey:

• My brother Javin – Always hard on me, always showing tough love, and leading by example. You are the best older brother I could have asked for.

• My parents – You gave me everything I needed and loved me through it all. You took me places to teach me, show me the world, and open doors.

• Adrian Rudisell – A friend who will answer any call, any time, about any situation. You work hard and never give up.

• Logan Braucht – My first friend in NASCAR, always guiding me back to faith and giving me confidence to endure.

• Ernesto Holden – My roommate and best friend. You’ve helped me in almost every aspect of life. You’re there at my highs and lows, and I know you’d go to war for me.

• Wes Budge – Out in Arizona, you showed me the ropes of the West Coast and what it means to bet on yourself and live in alignment with God and nature.

• Jeremy Martin – My gym owner and mentor. You’ve shown me the mental and physical darkness it takes to push limits and never back down.

• Lauren – You helped me through some tough times and always check in. You understand my life better than most.

• Eileen – A long-lost friend who was once my safe place, who traveled everywhere with me and supported me through everything. In my eyes, you were family.

There are countless others, but these are the ones I’m reflecting on today because of where life has me right now.

The truth is — they don’t teach you this in school. They don’t teach you to keep your faith in the storm. They don’t teach you to lean on God when the plan falls apart. They don’t teach you to be relentless in your pursuit of your calling.

I’ve learned that you are the captain of your destiny — but you still need the Captain above to steer your ship.