Editor: "Tell us about yourself."
Deon: "My name is Deon Maurice Antonio White. I am from Stockton, California. I was a former student athlete at UC Berkeley, and there I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Sociology.
I recently graduated with a Master's degree in Business Administration with a focus of general business from Lincoln University, Oakland. While earning my master's, I was able to apply my knowledge and teachings from Lincoln to start my own business, a car dealership named "Autopia Motors". This is how I funded my college tuition and living expenses, all while being titled team captain of the first ever Lincoln University football team."
Editor: "Can you share any highlights or memorable moments from your athletic career?"
Deon: "I played inside linebacker for the first time of my football career. Traveling to different states every week was very interesting and fun."
Editor: "One of the most interesting games you played while on a tour?"
Deon: "The most interesting game was Lincoln Oakland versus University of Texas, Permian Basin, where I had a personal record of 20 tackles. That, as well as going into my last football game. Knowing I was ready to hang up my cleats, I gave the game my all and left with no regrets."
Editor: "Balancing studies and sports can be challenging. How did you manage your time and stay focused on both academics and athletics?"
Deon: "In order for me to stay up to date with school and sports, I made sure I created a relationship with each professor of mine. I made sure I attended office hours and asked for help when needed, or asked what I could do to do better."
Editor: "As a student athlete, what kind of support did you receive from the university and your coaches to help you succeed both on and off the field?"
Deon: "The University gave me the exact tools I needed to be successful on and off the field. They provided transportation to and from practice and school. The president was also one of the top supporters, which is really rare for a university. I remember during some games I would run to the sideline for a break and had the ability to shake hands with him and his son. They were great supporters!"
Editor: "What are your plans after graduation? Do you plan to continue your athletic career or pursue other interests?"
Deon: "I decided to hang up the cleats and use the knowledge gained from Lincoln University to make a living. I own a car dealership in Pinole, CA and work for a tech company in the SF Bay Area as an Account Executive. The company I work for has been ranked number one for the last two years as the best company to work for.
Editor: "What message would you to convey to current and future students who are trying to balance academics and athletics while pursuing their dreams?"
Deon: "Branch out of your comfort zone and make sure you face academics the same way you face sports. The same way it is required to know every teammate of yours, go above and beyond to know every classmate or staff member on campus. The same way you put in the extra work after practice -- whether it's 10 minutes or an hour -- put the same energy into academics. 'Comfort is the enemy of progress.'"
Editor: "Finally Looking back on your time at Lincoln, what is the one thing that you are most proud of achieving?"
Deon: "Building lifelong relationships with the staff and becoming the first student athlete to graduate, with a masters at that!!!!!"
