When I was young, all the kids at my school were in extracurricular activities like sports, dance or music. I was always interested in partaking in these activities, but being a shy kid had its drawbacks. That was until my parents called me asking if I would like to join a recreational soccer team for my age group. Without hesitation, I immediately said yes, solely because I would then be a part of the “cool kids” who participated in these activities. Obviously, as an 11-year-old, I did not know how much that day would have an impact on my life.
In high school, I tried out for the girls’ soccer team and eventually made the junior varsity team. After a couple of games, the coach saw that was not where I belonged. From then forward, I was a vital player on the varsity team. I won numerous awards, made appearances in the newspaper, and got pushed to extend my talents to the collegiate level.
Although I was really good at what I did, soccer was always meant to be a hobby for me. Therefore, I was not entirely interested in continuing sports during my college career. I wanted to be a regular student and not have to worry about the stresses of sports. I could not disappoint my parents and my coach, so I decided to play at California State University of San Bernardino. Due to previous injuries, I had to redshirt my freshman year, meaning I could not play. Though, I still had to partake in all the activities of an athlete, like the early morning practices, study halls and late-night team bonding. It was exhausting, so I decided that I would no longer play soccer for the remainder of my college career.
Fast forward to what was supposed to be my junior year of college, my family and I moved to the great state of Texas. My sister had just graduated high school and obtained a full scholarship to Prairie View A&M University for soccer. Initially, I was going to finish the remainder of my college career at a community college, majoring in kinesiology. After assisting my sister on her visit to Prairie View, that plan instantly turned into something completely different.
She spoke highly of me to the coach at the time and eventually sold them on allowing me to play at the collegiate level again at Prairie View. Now, all she needed to do was convince me. The idea of moving to a new state, attending an HBCU and playing soccer again at an NCAA Division I level after having two years off was definitely a lot to process at the time. But, as mentioned before, I love to challenge myself. I decided to play again, but what I did not realize was the hardship I’d face just from that one decision.
Being a transfer student from California was already a challenge within itself. My credits from my previous school could not be transferred over. Therefore, I was technically a sophomore at PVAMU rather than a true junior. Then, my eligibility to play soccer for the university was a concern.
While playing sports, you must abide by NCAA policies to remain eligible, and, according to those policies, I would not be considered eligible if I continued to major in kinesiology. The only way I would be eligible to play soccer was if I majored in criminal justice. It was the only major where a majority of my college credits could go toward meeting the requirements. Now, you may ask, why did I continue to play soccer? Well, a wise person once said, “gots to see it through, my boy.” In the long run, I am glad I did.
Now, I had no interest in the criminal justice field. It was not until my second semester at PVAMU that my interest sparked with forensic science. At the time, I figured staying in the Criminal Justice Department could help lead me in the direction of obtaining a career in forensics or crime scene investigations.
The sports academic advisors were helpful in ensuring my major would set me up for my future career goals. Majoring in chemistry with a concentration in forensic science was the route I needed to take to achieve that. Since I could not do that while being on the Women’s Soccer team, we came up with a plan. The plan was great – I was taking 21 hours each semester and was a vital starter for the soccer team.
The course changed a bit when I found out that the Criminal Justice Department had a concentration dedicated to criminalistics. I was extremely intrigued by the courses needed, so I decided to take on the concentration. My plate was full at this point, especially with having to take 21 semester hours, participating in sports, maintaining my 3.5 grade point average, and now driving to Bryan, Texas, to attend my criminalistics classes at the RELLIS campus. But I was determined to finish what I had started.
I faced many (many!) other obstacles in obtaining my degree, but I never let them stop me. I have accomplished many achievements in my time at Prairie View, from being a SWAC champion twice, obtaining All-Tournament Team in 2019 and 2022, All-Conference First Team in 2021, making the Dean’s List from 2019-2022, getting 1st place at the 2022 SWACJ – CSI Competition, being a member of The Society for Collegiate Leadership & Achievement and obtaining an internship for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. I also made new lifelong relationships with amazing people. These are moments I will cherish forever.
This fall, I will have a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in criminalistics, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a concentration in Forensic Science. I will graduate Cum Laude with a 3.5 GPA and pursue my dreams in the criminal investigation/forensic science fields. My anticipated plan for my future has changed throughout the course of my life, but I am certain this is the path I was supposed to embark on.
I have my family to thank for this, along with my significant other, for always pushing me to my fullest potential and ensuring I meet my expectations. Tony Stark once said, ‘You know, it’s moments like these when I realize what a superhero I am,’ and I could not relate more.
Demoree Sanye Nugent, #16, OUT!!
Demoree Sanye Amarie Nugent will graduate from Prairie View A&M University this fall with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. Click here to view a complete listing of this semester’s notable graduates.
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