News Summary
During a recent practice, the San Diego State University football team celebrated the awarding of a scholarship to walk-on cornerback Xavier Hamlett. Coach Sean Lewis surprised Hamlett with the news, highlighting the player’s dedication to football and community service. The scholarship, valued at nearly $35,000, comes as a recognition of Hamlett’s hard work amidst personal and financial challenges. Known for his outreach efforts supporting the homeless, Hamlett embodies resilience and positivity as he prepares for the upcoming football season and his academic journey.
San Diego – In a heartwarming moment during practice, San Diego State University’s football team celebrated the unexpected awarding of a scholarship to walk-on cornerback Xavier Hamlett. The announcement came as a surprise from head coach Sean Lewis, punctuated by the upbeat tones of James Brown’s classic song “I Feel Good,” which played following the team’s practice session.
Xavier Hamlett, a senior who graduated from Lincoln High School, has become a symbol of positivity and community spirit within the team. His relentless work ethic and dedication to football caught the attention of Coach Lewis, who recognized Hamlett’s efforts and the transformative impact of the sport in his life. The scholarship he received is valued at nearly $35,000 a year and became available after redshirt freshman wide receiver Heath McRee exited the program.
Expressing deep gratitude upon receiving the scholarship, Hamlett shared that it felt surreal, almost like a scene from a movie. His journey to this point has not been easy; he faced financial hardships and had openly discussed his struggles with cornerbacks coach Demetrius Sumler. This conversation led to a series of discussions with Coach Lewis, who assured Hamlett that the team would support him as long as he remained committed to them.
Off the field, Hamlett has made a significant impact through his outreach efforts aimed at helping the homeless. He frequently organizes initiatives to distribute food and essential items, noting that even small acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference to those feeling overlooked in society. His personal experiences, including a time when he had to live in his car, have fueled his passion for community service. Hamlett is driven by a promise he made to his late sister to never give up, despite the challenges he faces.
As he approaches the end of his academic journey, gaining his degree in the coming school year, Hamlett has aspirations of starting a nonprofit organization focused on expanding his community outreach efforts. In addition to his notable achievements off the field, Hamlett has also become a vital part of the football team. He played in 11 of the 12 games last season and is expected to take on a reserve role at cornerback this year.
SDSU’s defensive coordinator Rob Aurich has praised Hamlett for his contributions, highlighting both his athletic performances and his commitment to helping others. Coach Aurich expressed pride in Hamlett’s achievements and believes he will make a significant impact in the upcoming season. As Hamlett shares updates about both his outreach activities and football career on social media platforms, he continues to inspire his teammates and the community at large.
As the season progresses, the dynamics of the team may evolve with the addition of Hamlett’s scholarship status, but one thing remains clear: his journey represents resilience, dedication, and the powerful intersection of sports and community engagement. As he looks forward to his future both in academics and football, Hamlett embodies the spirit of not only a player but also a beacon of hope and positivity for those around him.
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Additional Resources
- San Diego Union-Tribune: Xavier Hamlett Scholarship
- Wikipedia: College Football
- Sports Illustrated: SDSU Football Scholarships
- Google Search: Xavier Hamlett
- East Village Times: USD Football Conference Move
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Football
- News 4 San Antonio: Australian Players in College Football
- Google News: College Football Scholarships
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
