Sometimes, life is all about taking a chance on someone and believing in them.
 
For Newberry College football alum Raleigh Yeldell, a chance and belief from his coaches was all it took to push him to the next level.
 
Yeldell was recently inducted into the Newberry College Athletics Hall of Fame, and he is quick to deflect the recognition to those around him.
 
Yeldell is grateful for everyone who helped him along his journey and gave him the opportunity to be where he is today.
 
"It's an honor," Yeldell said. "Every day I think about this accomplishment, it seems unreal. I can't say I dreamed to be in the Hall of Fame because that wasn't the main goal at the time. The goal was to win and get a ring. That was the main dream. But being inducted into the Hall of Fame, just the thought leaves me speechless and tongue-tied."
 
An easy decision
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Yeldell's journey to Newberry College was not a complicated one.
 
He was a sought-after prospect and had interest from many schools. However, none of those schools came calling with an offer.
 
Except for one.
 
Newberry College didn't only show interest in Yeldell, but they offered him a full scholarship to come play football.
 
The message was clear. Newberry College wanted Yeldell to come play football, and they believed in him.
 
That's all Yeldell needed to hear, and the decision was easy.
 
"My journey that led me to Newberry College wasn't a very complicated one," Yeldell said. "I had lots of interest from other schools but no real offer. Newberry came in with not only interest but with an offer saying we want YOU. WE BELIEVE IN YOU! That ultimately made the decision easier."
 
It takes a village
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Once Yeldell stepped foot on campus, he knew he made the right decision. He was surrounded by coaches and teammates who would help shape and mold him into the man he is today.
 
Some of the most influential people in Yeldell's life are former coaches Bennett Swygert, Cedric Williams, and Na'Shan Goddard, as well as trainer Jeffery Orsoe.
 
He gives them credit for helping him push through difficult times in his life and battling injuries. He also credits his teammates, who he bonded with and still shares a close connection to this day.
 
"Coach Bennett Swygert, Coach Cedric Williams, Coach Na'Shan Goddard, and Jeffery Orsoe (trainer) were the most influential to me while I was there because when I was going through a tough time personally in my life and battling injuries, these guys really helped me push through," Yeldell said. "But so did everyone on the coaching and training staff. My guys I shared my blood, sweat, and tears with on and off the field played a huge role in me being there as well. Knowing no matter what happens I have a bond of brothers to call on made a big impact in my life."
 
A bond like no other
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Yeldell's time at Newberry College wasn't just about the wins and losses on the football field. It was about the relationships he built with his coaches, teammates, and lifelong friends.
 
He knew he could always count on them no matter what happened on or off the field.
 
"Every day I woke up was a memory," Yeldell said. "From off the field, just being around campus, classrooms, my guys that grinded it out with me every day. On the field where we all share our blood, sweat, and tears pushing one another to be the best version of ourselves each time we step on the field or even in the weight room. Every day was a day to remember."
 
Playing football for Newberry College taught Yeldell valuable life lessons he took with him for the rest of his life. He learned the importance of discipline, focus, time management, and dedication.
 
He also learned the importance of having a plan and staying true to yourself, lessons that have influenced his professional career and personal life.
 
"My experiences at Newberry shaped me because it showed me things such as discipline, focus, time management, dedication, and so much that I need to learn to take to my next career," Yeldell said. "Ultimately, just having a plan and staying true to the plan and yourself."
 
Advice for current student-athletes
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As a Hall of Famer, Yeldell now has the opportunity to share his wisdom with current Newberry College student-athletes. His advice is simple but powerful.
 
Trust the process, even when it feels overwhelming. Look in the mirror every day and ask yourself if this is what you truly want. Be willing to do whatever it takes to achieve your goals.
 
"Trust the process even when the process seems overwhelming," Yeldell said. "Every morning you wake up, every night before you go to sleep, look yourself in the mirror and ask yourself, 'Is this what you truly want?' 'Are you willing to do the necessary things it takes to get the results or outcome you want?'"
 
For Yeldell, Newberry College was the place where he found his path, faced challenges, and became the man he is today.
 
It was the place that gave him a chance and believed in him.
 
And now, as a Hall of Famer, he carries the lessons he learned at Newberry College with him every day, grateful for the journey that led him to this moment.
 
He is forever grateful for Newberry College, his coaches, and his teammates for an experience that will never be forgotten.