From Hitchcock High to the NFL: I am Michael Sam

With the theme of “One Proud World,” Central Washington University’s 2016 Pride Week will be held May 30 through June 4. A week of exciting events meant to encourage everyone to be who they are #ProudToBe. A highlight of Pride Week, Michael Sam is coming to Central to share the story of his very public journey of being true to who he is. Sam’s talk, free and open to the public, will take place in the SURC Ballroom at 8 p.m. and will be followed by a Q&A session.
After ending his career at The University of Missouri as a consensus All-American and SEC Defensive Player of the Year, Michael Sam made history in 2014 when he became the first openly gay player ever drafted by an NFL team. With an inspiring story of a small town Texas football star who kept his secret from the world, Michael Sam shares his triumphs over hardships, valuable lessons on leveraging individual personal strengths to pursue one’s dreams, and lessons learned from key mentors in his life. Being true to yourself, remaining gracious and strong and tackling life’s challenges—this is the story of Michael Sam.