"The Space Between Then and Now"

The past few months have felt like a time warp—a stretch of space between what was and what’s next. We just capped off a long 6-month grind at UWE by hoisting the championship trophy after beating our rivals, Nottingham University, on March 18th. I’ve craved a quiet in-between space to listen to where the echoes of my past meet the whispers of the future. I’ve been carrying the weight of legacy while getting ready to step into something new. Not just on the field or in my career, but in how I show up as a man. Constant pulls from people in all areas of life who want my attention make this quiet time I’m craving harder than usual—but it’s the right kind of problem to have.

From the outside, it might’ve looked like another season of grind—football, coursework, long days, late nights. Underneath it all? There’s been something deeper happening. I’ve been wrestling with questions most probably don’t think to ask. Questions about presence, direction, and who I want to be beyond the highlights—beyond the image.

There’s been clarity in the moments of silence during travel. Peace in the solitude. Growth in the gym. And in those still moments, I’ve realized that I’m not just building toward a future—I’m healing from a past. Challenges I’ve risen past that no one but the God I pray to and myself know how hard they were. Through it all—I’m not just chasing success—I’m choosing destiny and purpose. And while people may only see the wins or big moments, I’ve been laying the foundation in the moments they don’t see. That’s what’s real to me. That’s what feels solid.

This season’s been about realignment. I’ve come to understand the talents I’ve been given aren’t just in athleticism—it’s showing up. It’s energy. It’s the ability to inspire, to speak life into people even while I’m still fighting for my own. And I’m learning to lead from that deeper place. Not just on the field, but in the quiet moments too.

I came to the UK to pursue a Master’s in International Management at UWE. At first, it might’ve looked like a detour—but now I see it as driven alignment. I helped to lead our team to a championship while managing my studies, building new connections, and adjusting to a new culture and pace of life in an entirely different environment.

Still training. Still investing. Still showing up. I’m continuing to build something. A routine. A rhythm. A mindset. Even as my heart stretches across continents—to people I care about in the U.S., Canada, Brazil, and places I’ve left a piece of myself—my focus is rooted in these moments. In this growth.

Now I’m stepping into a new season. New team. New coach. Same purpose. Same championship goal. And I’ll be ready. Not just to win—but to lead, to impact, to leave something that lasts beyond the game.

I didn’t get here by luck. I got here by showing up even when things were uncertain. By choosing growth when comfort was an easier option. By staying faithful to the vision, even when the path wasn’t clear.

And now, I’m walking into what’s next—more grounded, more aware, and more committed than ever to becoming the man I’m meant to be, even when it’s difficult for outsiders to grasp the totality of it all. Carrying what came before, but no longer defined by it.

Because this story? It’s still being written..

(If you’re navigating your own season - I see you, keep building.)