Moore inks with Mary-Hardin Baylor

NIXON — Despite spending his high school career at a school the size of Nixon-Smiley, Samuel Moore knew that if he continued to push himself, exceed his goals and mature a bit, he’d be able to one day call himself a college athlete.

Though he hasn’t laced up his sneakers just yet, Moore is another step closer as he signed his letter of intent on Wednesday right before graduation to not only continue his education at the University of Mary-Hardin Baylor (UMHB) but also play some basketball there.

“I just had to grow up,” Moore admitted. “Now I have to step up [even more] and go on to the next level. Do more than what’s required.”

Moore is a multi-sport athlete, playing cornerback and tailback during the football season, guard during basketball season, outfielder in baseball and he competed in the high jump during this year’s UIL State Track and Field meet. Being active throughout the year has been a catalyst to not only staying fit but increasing his skills in the one sport he loves, basketball.

“Football helped a lot, especially driving in basketball,” he explained. “You get those bumps and taps you get on your arm while going up to the rim, it helps with just being physical.”

Though baseball was merely “a fun sport to play,” his overall belief that if there’s anyway he can contribute to a team either on the field or on the bench, he’s going to do it.

“If I can contribute to the team, then I was going to play.”

Moore knew he signed on to UMHB after taking a visit to the campus and feeling like he belonged there. As he explained, you get a feel for the college that you want to go right then and there and he definitely felt that feeling.

“It felt pretty good,” he said, “[I’m] looking forward to being there.”

Not only is he a fit for the campus life, Moore believes he’ll be a fit for the basketball program as well.

“They like to move the ball, they like to go up and down,” he explained. Nixon-Smiley recently went through a change where they’d move up and down the court as well, which produced some of the better Mustang seasons for Moore.

As for where exactly he’ll fit, Moore explained that his size allows him to play multiple positions, though as far as where on the court he’ll play he isn’t quite sure.

“Wherever I can play at, that’s where I’ll contribute,” he said.

Being mature and having that thought process is exactly what has brought this Mustang to UMHB. And after all of this experience, Moore eventual wants to take this knowledge and turn it into a coaching career.

“I’m looking forward to becoming a coach after I get my degree in kinesiology,” Moore said. “Being able to look what I’ve done and share with other people? It’s good.”

His advice for those wanting to follow his footsteps is simple.

“Stay focused and just make sure that school comes first. School comes first and then it’s athletics.”

He also wants those who are focused on athletics to take it seriously and find a way to motivate themselves.

“If you can motivate yourself to do something than you shouldn’t have a problem with anybody else telling you to do something.”