As I reflect on my collegiate athletics experience, I am thankful – not for the games, or the wins, or the trophies, or the ring – but for each and every person who brought them to life. Don't get me wrong, I care (a lot!) about those other things. But for me, these past five years have been about one thing – the people.

To my coaches, who loved, supported, and led me through times of loss; who encouraged me to keep going and to keep leading; and who invested in my growth as both a person and player – thank you. I look up to so many of you and aspire to impact lives like you have mine.

To the strength and athletic training staffs, and the doctors, who together took my broken body, pieced it back together, and kept me on the field for every game despite five surgeries and a myriad of other injuries – thank you. It is because of your help I was able to make so many life-long memories on gameday.

To the donors, fans, and Williamsburg community, whose generosity made this all possible; who welcomed me into a place I have grown to love; and whose support on gameday and every day made Williamsburg feel like home – thank you.

And most of all, to my teammates – thank you for being with me through it all. Thank you for trusting me to lead, but also leading me when I needed it. Thank you for the laughs, the hugs, and the tears. Thank you for creating so many joyful memories in that locker room that I will never forget. This program has a special place in my heart – please promise me you will leave it better than you found it.

William & Mary is a truly special place, and it's all thanks to the people, so many of whom I have failed to thank here. I am forever thankful for W&M and what it has brought into my life. My heart breaks for our senior spring athletes who never had the chance to come to terms with the end like I did. I hope all of you are able, in due time, to appreciate your experience for what it was, albeit cut short.

Thank you!
Nate Atkins