Chapel Hill linebacker tackles the future with optimism

Published 3:40 pm Friday, May 24, 2024

Editor’s Note: This is one in a series of stories highlighting graduating high school seniors in Smith County.

CHAPEL HILL — Many East Texans are familiar with the narrative of the star football player turned signed college athlete. However, few fully understand the work required to balance life as a full-time student, athlete, employee, and friend the way Chapel Hill High School senior Da’Veon (Dada) Ross does.

His coach, Craig McFarlin describes Da’Veon as a true, “student of the game [who] was always ready when his opportunity happened and led by example.”

As a varsity linebacker and leader of the Blue Storm Chapel Hill Defense throughout high school, Da’Veon is excited to see his talents take him to Missouri State in the fall, where he will continue to play football while pursuing a degree in business.

“I look forward to being my own boss someday,” Da’Veon says, noting that while he is still figuring out what type of business he would like to run someday, he is “purely excited” to be the first in his family to attend and graduate from a four-year university.

“My parents encouraged me to go to college and play a sport I love,” Da’Veon says.

When asked what it’s like to balance being a full-time student, all-star athlete, and part-time employee at Super 1 Foods on the weekends, Da’Veon says simply, “Sometimes it can be tiring, but sometimes it can be fun being around everyone.”

While Da’Veon’s humble demeanor may downplay his goals and accomplishments, it is clear Da’veon has tackled more than just quarterbacks during his time at Chapel Hill.

“I have dyslexia,” Da’Veon says, “and sometimes I get frustrated, but I lean into my support system: my family, my teachers, and coaches [for help].” Despite this challenge, Da’Veon’s resilience shines through, inspiring those around him with his unwavering determination.

Indeed, while many seniors are looking to coast through their academics in their senior year, Da’Veon challenged himself to get even more college-ready by taking an Advanced Placement Literature and Composition course with teacher Julia Dahlgren.

“Da’Veon is one of the most hardworking athletes on and off the field,” Dahlgren said. “It would have been much easier for him to take an on-level English course his senior year, but he decided not to let dyslexia define his academic success.”

In asking how he manages the stress and nervousness that come from living with dyslexia, given his goals to be the best he can be in the classroom and on the field, Da’veon says, “I just tell myself to stay calm, do what you do, and be yourself.”

It’s this kind of simple advice mixed with Da’Veon’s effortless and steadfast positivity that many agree makes him an admired student and athlete across the Chapel Hill High School campus and community.

“Da’veon is a once-in-a-lifetime type of kid that I have had the opportunity to coach,” said coach McFarlin, “he is very talented and he has the character to match it.”

Da’Veon’s best advice to his football brethren, longing to sign with colleges and pursue careers as he has, is to remember: “If you don’t pass, you don’t play.” It’s a truth Da’veon has lived by, confirmed by his teacher Mrs. Dahlgren, who said, “It isn’t just football that earned [Da’Veon] his scholarship. His grades, determination, and character earned that scholarship as well.”

His example shined bright for his fellow classmates, who nominated him for homecoming king his senior year. He was voted to homecoming court his junior year as well.

As long as football exists in East Texas high schools, athletes like Da’veon will continue to be natural leaders others look up to. It’s a responsibility Da’Veon has been keenly aware of and shouldered with inner strength and dignity throughout his years at Chapel Hill, and as he approaches graduation, he hopes he has left an example worthy of being followed by his fellow athletes and peers. To all Chapel Hill Bulldogs, past and present, Da’Veon wants to encourage them to “Be themselves; don’t be like anybody else. Be a leader. If you lead the way, people will follow.”

Certainly, Da’Veon has done just that, and his desire to inspire others with his journey and achievements is a powerful motivator others will not soon forget.