Antonio had always dreamed of playing college football. His opportunity came when he was recruited to play for Azusa Pacific University, a Division II program with a strong football program. However, his dreams were shattered when the coach who had recruited him left the program shortly after he arrived on campus, leaving him lost and unsure of his place on the team.

The situation became even worse when the university administration announced that it was cutting the entire football program due to financial concerns and a need to redirect resources to other areas of the university. Antonio was devastated. He had put so much time and effort into his decision throughout recruitment to better his football career, and now it seemed like it was all for nothing.

Related: How Does Transferring in College Sports Work? A Step-By-Step Explanation of the Transfer Portal

Despite the setback, Antonio refused to give up. He transferred to another school and continued to work hard, determined to make the most of his football experience. Antonio's story is a testament to the power of perseverance. He faced multiple obstacles on his college recruitment journey, including the loss of his mentor and the cancellation of the entire football program, yet he refused to give up his dream. His determination and resilience are qualities that are essential for success in any field, and are especially important for athletes who face unique challenges and setbacks throughout life and recruitment.

Having a coach leave is a hard thing to go through as an athlete. You invest so much time and energy into your decision because of this coach, only to have your support system suddenly disappear.

Ultimately, Antonio's story is one of triumph in the face of adversity. He refused to let setbacks define him, and instead chose to use them as motivation to work harder and push himself further. His determination and resilience are qualities that have served him well both on and off the field. Although it was not the outcome he had originally expected or hoped for, Antonio remained grateful for the chance to play college football, and for the lessons he learned along the way.

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* Originally published on June 13, 2023, by Amanda Fassold