Densier Carnes: A Better Me

My life has been full of many unexpected moments and decisions. Choosing to continue my basketball career at John Brown University was just the same. Coach Beschta scouted me from Link Year Prep and although I was hesitant to move to a small town in Arkansas, I am so thankful I did.

Throughout my life and into my career at JBU I have faced many adversities. I believe these challenges have built me into the man I am today. One of my favorite traits I have gained from college basketball is persistence. I feel the coaching staff and my teammates pushed me to be the best version of myself. I am not someone to give up or be complacent with my abilities. I learned from this program that hard work always pays off.

Another trait I gained from this team is the ability to trust myself. Basketball is a game of ups and downs and I feel that throughout my on-court experience, I have learned to trust myself to make the best decision. Beyond that, I have also learned to lean on those around me. My teammates and coaches have supported me for the last five years and I believe that is why we have created a culture of trust in the basketball program.

Unfortunately, the end of my basketball career came a little early as I broke my patella on New Year's Day. The injury is unfortunate for sure; however, I am thankful for the way basketball has provided for me. Basketball gave me a college education at a well-respected university. It gave me life-long friendships, a place to grow as more than a basketball player, and the opportunity to support my best friends. The last few months of my career included supporting my teammates in a different role. Although this was a hard adjustment for me, I am thankful for the opportunity as I know my teammates supported me when it was my time.

I am forever grateful for the person I have grown into, and I would not be me without JBU basketball. This program gave me the opportunity to explore my relationship with God and provided me with the resources to do so. The program has taught me accountability, persistence, hard work, vulnerability and the chance to be a leader.

Basketball has taught me to push myself to become a better me every day. Basketball got me this far, but more is yet to come.

Thank you for all the love and support.

Densier completed his undergraduate earlier with a kinesiology degree and will graduate this spring with a master's degree in organizational leadership. He then plans on moving to Dallas to pursue work in sales.