Photo by Nicholas Hummert
Leadership, collaboration, and communication are the important skills these veterans say they bring to Austin College athletics. After first serving their country, they’re now working toward degrees at Austin College and participating in team sports.
Sgt. Nick Denbo ’26 served for four and a half years in the Army 82nd Airborne and stationed at Fort Liberty in North Carolina. Military experience runs in his family—he says that although most served in the Marines, he was the first in his family to join the Army since World War II. He deployed to Iraq in 2020, and in 2021 he assisted with the three-week evacuation mission of Afghanistan.
“Being an athlete helps with the drive you need to be in the military. It comes with the dedication and commitment you need there,” he said. “Especially with being a sergeant in the Army, the military develops your leadership skills.” Nick is a pitcher for the ’Roos baseball team and is studying psychology and public health.
Army Specialist Elijah Davis ’26 followed a long line of family members serving in the military. He enlisted in 2018 and continued through 2022. He was stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana, and was domestically deployed to Texas to assist with border patrol. “College comes with its own challenges just as the military did,” Elijah said. “It was a big adjustment as a student-athlete, not only physically but mentally as well. I developed skills in the military that were transferable to college like discipline, problem solving, technical skills, communication, and adaptability.” Elijah played ’Roo football in the 2023 season and is studying psychology.
Hoping to discover more about himself and his career options, Sgt. Ben Meraz ’26 (not pictured) enlisted in the Army in September 2017 and was stationed at Fort Liberty in North Carolina as a member of the 82nd Airborne. Now, he is a running back for the Austin College ’Roo football team and plays infielder for the baseball team. Ben said, “Learning how to be a good member of a team, knowing your role, and learning how to take direction are all important parts of athletics and military service.” Ben is studying business finance and accounting.
Three members of the coaching staff join these student athletes as military veterans: Men’s and Women’s Head Swimming & Diving Coach Dan Snow, Marines; Head Volleyball Coach Ed Garza, Air Force; and Adjunct Instructor of Kinesiology Zachary Sullivan, Army.