As Charlie Greene prepares to begin his journey playing football at Grinnell College, his resilience, leadership, and determination underscore the importance of passion. 

Charlie’s football career began unexpectedly during his sophomore year. Despite pursuing soccer as an underclassman, football coach Jason Potts’ encouragement steered him toward the sport. “I realized I enjoyed football much more than soccer because it was more fun to play and there was less running,” he said. 

However, it wasn’t just the thrill of the game that captured Charlie’s heart; it was the sense of team community. “In football, you need all 11 guys on the field doing their job right to succeed. This cultivates a strong sense of togetherness and trust among teammates. That helped push me to be a better player but also a better person because I was putting the team’s success above my own,” he said. 

Despite initially not considering playing at a collegiate level, Charlie’s love for football propelled him to pursue the opportunity. “I truly enjoyed the sport and I didn’t want it to be over. My expectations for the next four years are to work on myself as a player, enjoy the experience, and win games,” he said. 

Looking towards the future, Charlie’s aspirations extend beyond the football field. “I want to work in a field where I get to learn new things and have new experiences,” he said. 

This piece was originally published in Zephyrus’ print edition on May 24, 2024