By Payton Moody
Julius Wilson, a talented football player from Holland Hall High School, has a bright future ahead of him. His journey through sports and education has been shaped by coaches, teammates, and teachers who have left a positive mark on his character and aspirations.
Reflecting on his favorite coach, Wilson credits his basketball coach, Shawn Williams, for instilling high expectations that transcended the basketball court. “My basketball coach, Shawn Williams, had the highest expectations for me, which carried over to football,” Wilson said.
Wilson’s admiration for teammates shines through as he singles out Jalen Thompson, a friend since kindergarten. “Jalen Thompson, my friend since kindergarten, has always been like a big brother to me. I admire and look up to him,” Wilson said.
When asked about influential educators, Wilson turns to Mrs. Moore, his Algebra One teacher from freshman year. “Mrs. Moore helped me achieve an ‘A’ in her class,” he said. “She worked tirelessly with me.”
Wilson’s commitment to improvement is evident in his off-season preparation. “During the off-season, I attended my school’s summer strength and conditioning program,” he said. “I also did additional football and basketball training. Playing AAU basketball helped me stay in great shape.”
Football, for Wilson, is not just a sport but a source of life lessons. “Football taught me to have a short-term memory,” he said. “If something bad happens, I forget about it and keep playing. It applies on and off the field.”
Looking ahead, Wilson has ambitious goals for the season. “As a team, I hope we can make it past the first round of the playoffs and win a gold ball,” he said.
Anticipating matchups, Wilson is excited to face long-time rivals and strong teams. “I’m excited to play against Cascia Hall and All Saints Episcopal,” he shared. “They’re both long-time rivals and strong teams.”
After high school, Wilson’s plans shine brightly. “I plan to attend college and play either football or basketball,” he said. “I want to join a medical program and work towards becoming an anesthesiologist.”
