The life of a student athlete is intense but very rewarding. When it comes to being a student athlete at Judson it is more than just being a student and getting your degree. You’re a scholar athlete. For senior football cornerback Jaylin Ware this is very true.
Who is Jaylin Ware?
Jaylin is finishing his fifth year playing collegiate football at Judson. Football has always been a huge part of his life, and his journey with the sport started because of my brother. Jaylin was a basketball player all throughout his childhood, but things didn’t work out for him in that sport, so he switched to football. His high school basketball coach didn’t help him, or others get to college, so he dedicated his time to the football field. Instead of pursuing a football career in college his brother decided to take Jaylin under his care. That sacrifice motivated Jaylin to work hard and dedicate his work to his brothers’ aspirations.
Balancing Athletics and Academics: A Delicate Dance
Managing time as a student-athlete is tough, no doubt about it. Between classes, football practices, and other commitments, Jaylin doesn’t get much sleep. He tends to just go with the flow, trying to keep everything in order by prioritizing what’s important. For Jaylin and all Judson athletes, class comes before football. He relies heavily on alarms and reminders for when he has assignments due, and he ensures to make good use of study tables. The biggest challenge for him, though, is exhaustion. When he’s dead tired but still must go to class, he reminds himself what’s at stake and pushes through. Football is what keeps him in school—he knows that if he weren’t playing, he probably wouldn’t be here.
Personal Growth & Development
“Being a student-athlete has shaped me in ways I didn’t expect.”, Jaylin stated. It’s made him mentally tough and given him a way to stay grounded. The sport has also taught him important lessons in leadership and teamwork. Jaylin has learned to speak up when needed, lead by example, and follow when it’s right. Leadership is as much about listening as it is about taking charge. Football has shown him how to face setbacks head-on. His approach is simple: “Kiss it on the cheek.” He accepts the problem, finds a solution, and doesn’t let it affect him too deeply. Whether it’s an injury or a tough class, he continues to move forward.
Goals & Aspirations
Currently, his short-term goals are pretty clear: graduate, get paid playing football, and make his family proud. In the long run, he sees himself running his own business in athletic, physical, and personal training. Jaylin wants to help others, especially his family and friends, find success just like he has. As for playing professionally, that’s definitely on the table. He’d love the opportunity to play in the NFL, and while he doesn’t have a specific team in mind, he’s always liked the Eagles. If he could choose, though, playing for the Miami Dolphins would be the dream.
Lessons Learned and Advice for the Next Generation
When I asked Jaylin to reflect on his proudest moment as a student-athlete he said it was finally getting to play after being ineligible for three years. His favorite memory of football was in high school whne he had two interceptions in the playoff game. When it comes to advice and words of wisdom Jaylin says the following, “My advice to incoming student-athletes is this: don’t stop. No matter how hard it gets, keep going. And whatever you do, stay on top of your schoolwork.”
Staying Motivated
When times get tough—whether it’s a losing streak or academic stress—Jaylin stays motivated by envisioning his future. He knows he’s done what’s necessary to make himself better, and he reminds himself that all this hard work is getting him closer to where he strives to be. His favorite quote sums it up: “When I do it right, ain’t nobody can do it like me.” That’s what keeps him moving forward, no matter the obstacles.
Being a student-athlete is a challenge, but it’s also a privilege. It’s shaped Jaylin into the person he is today, and he wouldn’t trade his Judson experience for anything. Interested in starting your own scholar athlete journey, visit https://www.judsonu.edu/admissions-aid/undergraduate-admissions/visit/ to schedule a visit and possibly start your Judson Journey.
