Noah Williams
A Silverdale Baptist Academy junior has been recognized with a prestigious national award for exemplifying the true spirit of educational athletics through service and encouragement.
Noah Williams, a member of Silverdale's cross country and track teams, recently received the NFHS Student-Athlete Award of Excellence, presented by the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) and the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).
Williams has established himself as a behind-the-scenes leader who prioritizes service to his team and community. While not typically crossing the finish line first in competitions, Williams demonstrates commitment through consistent effort to improve his performance and support for fellow runners.
His coaches note that Williams regularly assists with setup and cleanup at events, volunteers to handle equipment, and takes initiative in maintaining facilities. These contributions extend beyond athletics, as Williams participates in his church praise team and dedicates time to mentoring middle school students through youth group activities.
Perhaps most notably, Williams forgoes personal time during summer and winter breaks to participate in mission trips, reflecting his commitment to service beyond the school environment.
The NFHS Student-Athlete Award recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional character and citizenship through actions that enhance the educational value of high school athletics.
As educational athletics continue to face challenges ranging from sportsmanship concerns to participation declines, examples like Williams highlight the positive impact of student-athletes who understand that their influence extends beyond performance statistics and that their most meaningful contributions often happen through consistent, humble service rather than spotlight achievements.
Nominate a student in your school today! Please use the form linked below to share a story about a student-athlete you know who has demonstrated exceptional sportsmanship, integrity, and ethics. If you have any questions about the award or the nomination process, please contact Courtney Brunetz (cbrunetz@tssaa.org).
