Episode 7: (L)oyal continues our special Week of ALPHA series on The ALPHA Podcast.

This week, we are breaking down the full ALPHA mentality at North Greenville University: Aggressive, Loyal, Prepared, Humble, and Armored. Each daily episode focuses on one letter and one part of the standard that shapes how our program lives, trains, competes, and grows.

In this episode, Nate Garner and Jim Padgett sit down with Sam Washam, wide receiver at North Greenville, to talk about the meaning of Loyal. Sam shares his journey from Charlotte, North Carolina, including why he stepped away from football in ninth grade, what brought him back to the game, and how faith, family, education, and team have helped shape his mindset.

Sam talks about the example his father set through servant leadership, the pull of the transfer portal, and why it matters to keep the main things the main things. He also explains why football comes alive through the team, why being where your feet are matters, and how summer camp taught him not to coast while also learning the importance of rest.

Key takeaway: Being loyal means staying grounded in faith, family, team, and purpose. It means serving without needing recognition, being where your feet are, and keeping the main things the main things.