ACHS Student Heads to Naval Academy

Alexander Central Senior Garison Millsaps turned down Army and Air Force offers to accept a spot at the Naval Academy Preparatory School. He reports on July 22^nd to Annapolis, Maryland after being recruited by Navy for football.  The Naval Academy reports that only seven percent of applicants are accepted. He says the Navy reached out to him after he posted films of his games on social media.

“The military aspect of it I’d never thought about it till I really researched Navy and how they’re paying me to be there to get my education and essentially setting me up for the rest of my life,” says Millsaps.

The Navy started talking with Millsaps his junior year of high school. He says for him the Navy seemed like a good fit.

“Their big thing they like to talk about is it’s a 10-year commitment because it really sets you up for the rest of your life. That’s a big reason I decided to lock into the Navy,” says Millsaps.

After the preparatory academy, Millsaps will spend four years working on a degree in the sciences. In return for the Navy paying for a prospect’s schooling, the student must then sign on with the Navy for five years.

Millsaps is already doing the football workouts and staying active. He recently placed second in the state for shot put after completing the season with ACHS Track and Field Team. Even though he’s known for playing on the field, he says former ACHS basketball coach Cam Gant pushed him.

“I was not the best basketball player. I’m sure the majority of the county knows this. And I do not like basketball very much which is why I wasn’t that good. But he definitely made me see a part of myself that I never really reached down for. The kind of person who says just do it whether it’s hard or not, whether you want to do it or not. He brought that out in me,” says Millsaps.

Known for its rigor, the Naval Academy requires top grades and scores and leadership potential of their students. Millsaps knows his path will be challenging but feels quietly confident. His mentors and coaches say Millsaps has high character.

Former Head Football Coach “Butch” Carter calls Millsaps a gifted athlete who can handle the challenges.

“It’s very demanding but the reason I feel good about it is because Garison is very disciplined so he should not have a problem with that, the structure, so I feel good about it, the fit and I think he should be very successful there,” says Carter.

Assistant Principal and former basketball coach Ed Wills agrees.

“I think he’s going to do great. I think the impact he has will be far beyond what he accomplishes on the field,” says Wills.

Wills adds, “I’m super proud of him. He’s a tremendous young man. He’s a better person than he is an athlete.”

Carter and Wills believe Millsaps’  path can prompt others to take chances.

“It shows that if you want to stretch your legs and reach out, a lot of people can do great things from Alexander County,” says Carter.

He adds, “I think this will definitely demonstrate that Garison will carry Alexander County well and with pride with being from this area.”

For Millsaps, he’s ready for the challenge.

“It’s a new experience. I’m not like a big home guy. I'm a pretty independent person. I love my family but I’m ready to go out on my own,” says Millsaps.

Getting recruited and accepted are the first steps.

“I know it’s going to be hard but I know it’s going to be worth it,” says Millsaps.

Millsaps also received offers to play from the Ohio Bobcats, Gardner Webb University, North Carolina A & T, Davidson, Richmond, and Cornell.

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