This month, Sam Goodin, a native of Athens, Tennessee, will walk across the stage as a graduate of Tennessee Wesleyan University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus in Industrial Management. While his academic achievement alone deserves special recognition, it is Sam’s extraordinary journey of perseverance through unimaginable adversity that has left a permanent mark on the Tennessee Wesleyan community

    Sam is the son of Chad and Amy Goodin and the brother of Katie and Jack. He also recognizes his girlfriend of more than five years, Addison Smith, as an integral and cherished part of his family. Those closest to Sam know him not only for his determination but also for his unwavering faith, strength of character, and ability to inspire everyone around him.

     Sam graduated from McMinn County High School in May 2022 with Honors and Distinction and earned the Tennessee Work Ethic Diploma. A dedicated and accomplished student-athlete, he competed as a varsity football player, varsity cross-country runner, and varsity baseball player. Notably, he served as the starting third baseman on the 2021 baseball team that made the first-ever state appearance in school history, earning All-District Baseball Honors along the way.

     Sam’s commitment extended far beyond the field. Throughout high school, Sam devoted more than 800 hours to serving his community through Central Baptist Church mission trips to Youngstown, Ohio, volunteering each summer at Camp Cherokee, and assisting local charities and programs that support individuals with special needs.

     At just 15 years old, Sam demonstrated remarkable entrepreneurship by launching Goodin Brothers Firewood, a business that went on to serve more than 100 loyal customers for six years. The venture reflected both his strong work ethic and dedication to supporting his family and community.

     From a young age, Sam’s dream was to play college baseball. At just eight years old, he stayed up past midnight to welcome the Tennessee Wesleyan baseball team home after their 2012 NAIA World Series victory. In that moment, he knew he wanted to one day wear the Bulldogs’ uniform himself.  Years later, that childhood dream became a reality when he received an offer to play baseball for Tennessee Wesleyan University.

     While Sam’s long-dreamed-of opportunity to play college baseball briefly became a reality, fate had a different plan for his time at Tennessee Wesleyan. The game that had shaped his childhood and carried him onto the university’s field was soon replaced by a new and far more personal battle. During his first year at Tennessee Wesleyan, Sam was diagnosed with Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor (DSRCT), an ultra-rare and aggressive form of cancer. In an instant, his life shifted from practices, games, and travel with his teammates to hospital rooms, infusion centers, surgical suites, and long stretches of recovery. Though his baseball journey never unfolded in the way he had imagined, the heart of an athlete — the discipline, resilience, and determination — never left him; instead, those same traits guided him through three years of relentless chemotherapy, radiation treatments, four major surgeries, and extensive travel across multiple states in pursuit of life-saving care.

     Despite the unimaginable trials he has faced, Sam has remained committed to his education by continuing his studies while balancing treatment, recovery, and countless medical appointments. His determination to graduate stands as a testament to his inner strength and resilience in the face of life’s hardest battle.

     On December 12th, Sam Goodin will walk the graduation stage not only as a college graduate but as a symbol of strength, hope, and perseverance for the entire Tennessee Wesleyan family and all who know him. His story is a powerful reminder that purpose is not defined by the absence of hardship but by the courage to rise above it.

     In recognition of his perseverance, Sam will address his fellow graduating classmates as well as their friends and families as the commencement speaker.

     “Sam’s perseverance and positive outlook on life has been an inspiration to so many, including me,” stated Dr. Tyler Forrest, President of Tennessee Wesleyan University. “His words of wisdom will be gladly welcomed by all the graduates and their families.”

      Sam is currently employed as a Project Estimator at Erosion Solutions, where he continues to demonstrate the same leadership and resilience that have defined his academic and personal journey.

      As Sam begins this next chapter of his life, the Tennessee Wesleyan community is proud to stand beside him, celebrating not only his accomplishments but also the profound inspiration he has provided to students, faculty, staff, and all who know his story.