Cade’s story began like many others—he entered UNA expecting to play football, focus on engineering, and eventually transfer. But life had other plans. After an old knee injury forced Cade to give up football, he found himself lost without the game he loved. Feeling the void left by football, Cade began to explore other avenues and discovered a new passion in an unexpected place—coaching high school football.
While volunteering at Brooks High School, just outside Florence, Alabama, Cade quickly fell in love with coaching. This newfound joy inspired him to rethink his career path. With a family background in education (his mom was a teacher), Cade realized he was drawn to teaching and helping young people. He made the switch to science education, combining his love for science, particularly chemistry, with his passion for coaching.
As Cade pursued his degree at UNA, he found support from both the academic community and the local schools. UNA’s close-knit environment and the encouragement from professors and staff helped him embrace his new journey. Even as Cade faced the challenges of balancing coaching, teaching, and completing his master’s degree, he never felt alone—UNA was there every step of the way.
Cade’s decision to pursue a master’s degree in secondary and general science was a turning point. He juggled teaching, coaching, and late-night study sessions, but the flexible scheduling of the master’s program allowed him to balance everything. He credits UNA’s thoughtful course design and support for making it all manageable. Cade’s professors were always checking in, ensuring he never felt overwhelmed or isolated, especially during the uncertainty of the pandemic.
Now teaching and coaching full-time at James Clemens High School in Madison, Alabama, Cade reflects on the profound sense of purpose he’s found in both the classroom and on the field. He believes that his love for teaching and coaching has allowed him to make a lasting impact on his students and players. As a fourth-generation UNA student, Cade is proud to be part of the university’s legacy, carrying forward the values of hard work, dedication, and support that were instilled in him.
For Cade, success is not just about making money or achieving personal goals. It’s about building relationships, making a difference, and loving what you do. UNA helped him rediscover his passion and set him on a path where he could thrive both professionally and personally. As Cade continues to inspire the next generation, he knows that UNA played a vital role in shaping his journey—and for that, he’s forever grateful.