It all began with baseball. Alex’s passion for the game led him to Georgia during high school for a tournament, where he first heard the name Hampden-Sydney College. His talent on the field and eagerness to seize new opportunities served him well and earned him the attention of then head baseball coach Jeff Kinne. That connection led to an invitation to visit the College—a visit that enhanced Alex’s love for the game and set him on a life-changing journey, starting with a verbal commitment to play baseball at Hampden-Sydney the summer before his senior year of high school.
“During my first visit, I didn’t say much—I’d describe myself as a reserved person in new environments,” Alex says. “After verbally committing, I returned for another visit during a football game and got a better sense of Hampden-Sydney. Over the course of my freshman year, as I became more acclimated, my true personality started to shine through, and I just kept growing more as a person.”
In fact, Hampden-Sydney has brought out the best in Alex. Since arriving on the Hill, he has forged countless connections and met a wide range of people, thanks to his involvement in numerous clubs, organizations, and activities. Beyond serving as a pitcher for the Hampden-Sydney Baseball team, Alex has taken on leadership roles and participated in a variety of clubs and organizations, including serving as president of the Minority Student Union (MSU), a member of the President’s Men and the Garnet and Grey Society, and as a mentor for the Brother4Brother and the Elite Eagles programs. He has also worked as an intramural sports director, an athletic training room assistant, a resident advisor, a student orientation leader, and a student photographer. Additionally, Alex has contributed to the Intercultural Affairs Committee (IAC) and the Interfraternity Council Committee (IFC).
As a testament to personal growth since his freshman year, Alex exemplifies the transformative power of getting involved and staying true to yourself. Encouraging underclassmen to prioritize their academics and engage in campus life, Alex drives home the importance of building connections and carving out your own path.
“After becoming a freshman executive for MSU, I started talking more with the insightful Jerrod Nolan ’24, who became a mentor to me,” Alex says. “He constantly encouraged me to get involved and make the most of my time here. That advice really resonated with me, and I feel like I’ve truly transformed—and others have noticed it too.”
Alex’s growth extends beyond extracurriculars, clubs, organizations, and sports. The support and guidance from dedicated faculty and staff members have played a significant role in his development. Trinkle Professor of Biology Kristian Hargadon ’01 and Elliott Assistant Professor of English Mark Celeste have been particularly influential, deepening Alex’s passion for biology and helping him refine his writing skills. Additionally, Dean of Culture and Inclusion Desiree Washington has played a significant role in Alex’s development.
“If I'm not studying, in the training room, at practice, or involved with the various clubs and organizations, you’ll find me chatting with Dean Washington in her office or hanging out with some of the guys at the Tiger Inn or the MSU house,” Alex says. “I really appreciate the sense of community at the College. It’s great knowing I can talk to any of the deans whenever I need to and build a close connection with them, which I feel is rare at other schools.”
“It’s also great to have a connection with President Larry Stimpert,” Alex continues. “It really speaks to the strong sense of community and closeness at Hampden-Sydney, which allows students to be their true selves.”
In addition to its strong community, Hampden-Sydney’s strong academics and personalized support help all students thrive. Many of the College’s seminar classes are specifically designed to help students discover careers they are passionate about; a process Alex will be exploring this semester.
“The possibilities are endless,” Alex says. “When I tell people I’m majoring in biology, they assume I’ll become a scientist or a doctor, but I could go into medical sales, work in a laboratory, or explore many other fields. The College really opens up so many opportunities, and by the time you leave, you have an idea of what direction to take.”
The support Alex receives also comes from his role model—his mother—who has witnessed his growth, just as he has seen hers: “My mom has been my role model for as long as I can remember,” Alex says. “She’s shown me that if you truly want something and put in the effort, you’ll achieve it. She’s a living example of that, putting in the work every day to make it happen.”
Alex’s diverse hobbies and interests will continue to benefit him on and off the Hill. With an interest in medical sales and physical therapy, he plans to attend graduate school after graduation to further his education. At the same time, he will continue to nurture his passions as a photographer and barber, continuing to be true to himself and building upon his experiences: “I believe being myself and staying authentic is what’s truly important. It has played a big role in getting me to where I am today, and it will serve me well as I continue my education, grow as a person, and look ahead to my next chapter.”