Kayden Wells, A Phenomenal Athlete

Kayden Wells

WG’s Student Athlete of the Week

Although the stars didn’t align athletically, Kayden’s future is extremely bright because he understands the balance between athletics and academics.

 By Sylvester “Nunnie” Robinson

      Kayden Wells is a gregarious young man with an outgoing personality and infectious smile that naturally causes others to gravitate toward him. He is also an athletic phenom, with gifts so overtly apparent even as an undersized youth. I often tagged along with his father, Curtis, to athletic events to show support and encourage his endeavors. As a point guard for his Pembroke Pines Charter basketball team, I envisioned him as pint-size Steph Curry because he displayed all of the tangible skills associated with the position: a great jump shot, excellent ball handling and passing skills and  an intellectual, instinctive on the court aura that defied logic . Those same intangibles were displayed in football. Perhaps the only drawback was his size. He was obviously smaller than almost all of his teammates and competitors. His father, a Dillard High graduate, even entertained the idea of having Kayden live with him in Fort Lauderdale so that he could play for his alma mater. Extenuating circumstances prevented that possibility so Kayden turned his attention to school and work.

Fast forward to the present. After graduating from Pembroke Pines Charter, he enrolled at Broward College while working part time. Invited by a friend to a gymnastics event at Broward College sponsored by FDAC, a five-star competitive gymnastics club, he observed and emulated the performances of the gymnasts. After seeing Kayden perform several tumbling moves, the coach invited him to join the club. Now to put this in perspective, consider the age, time and skill necessary to compete not necessarily on an Olympic level such as Simone, Gabby and others but even  as a collegiate athlete is astonishing. It takes tremendous, innate athletic ability, dedication, parental support, expert coaching and hard work. That’s why I refer to Kayden as a phenom. Though the stars didn’t align for him athletically, his future is promising and bright.

Asked if gymnastics was just a passing fancy, he affirmed his feelings about the sport: “I have always loved gymnastics, but I never thought about it as a competitive sport;  but now I see the work involved. I would like to continue in the sport even though it is not part of my school path. So I will have to see how far I can go with it.” His exponential growth spurt – 5’10”, 160  pounds -.has certainly  increased his self-confidence and competitive juices while providing a healthy, mature perspective on balancing athletics and academics. While I have always been athletic and played basketball for city teams, I have never joined many organized sports. My favorite sport is basketball and my favorite athlete is Kyrie Irving, a leader on and off the court, one who symbolizes hope and inspiration.

Kayden says his overarching plan is to transfer from Broward College after his first year to Florida Gulf Coast University where he plans to double major in Criminal Justice and Forensics with a minor in Anthropology.

Parents, it is encumbered upon you to help your children discover, nurture and develop their talents to the fullest so they can become the very best versions of themselves, academically, athletically or both.

Kayden and parents, the Westside Gazette Newspaper and Mr. Bobby R. Henry, publisher, wish for you the very best in your future endeavors and always allow our Heavenly Father to lead the way.

About Carma Henry 24481 Articles
Carma Lynn Henry Westside Gazette Newspaper 545 N.W. 7th Terrace, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33311 Office: (954) 525-1489 Fax: (954) 525-1861

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