Balancing two sports and two majors would be more than enough on the plate for most college students. However, Methodist University’s Darnell Alexander Jr. ’26 will tell you it’s certainly obtainable, and all about focus and routine. The humble and hardworking, New Orleans native has built his life around discipline, faith, and the drive to succeed both on and off the field.
Balancing two sports and two majors would be more than enough on the plate for most college students. However, Methodist University’s Darnell Alexander Jr. ’26 will tell you it’s certainly obtainable, and all about focus and routine. The humble and hardworking, New Orleans native has built his life around discipline, faith, and the drive to succeed both on and off the field.
Alexander’s day begins earlier than most, typically starting off with weight training for football, where he plays safety for the Monarchs. After that, he grabs a quick breakfast before his first class. While classes fill most of his mornings, when he’s not in the classroom, you’ll find him in the coach’s office studying film or in the library catching up on homework.
“I always take advantage of my breaks between classes to study,” he says. “Instead of playing a game or just hanging out, I go straight to the library. I want to make sure everything is top of the game, top notch.”
Darnell is a double major in Exercise Science and Psychology, with the long-term goal of becoming an NFL athletic trainer and eventually opening gyms around the country. His inspiration stemming from his own personal experience of a torn ACL in his senior year of high school.
“I was having a battle, not just physically, but mentally, and it was crushing,” he says. After months of physical therapy, and mental toughness, Alexander would make a comeback. He would go on to finish fifth in the state for wrestling just three months post-surgery. The process showed him how resilience and proper guidance could change lives. It was in those moments that he realized his recovery could help inspire others.
“I picked up Psychology because I believe if your mind isn’t right, your body won’t follow. I want to be able to help people in both areas,” Alexander said.
When it comes to athletics, he’s busy year-round. Football takes center stage in the fall, while track and field workouts pick up in the spring and off-season, where he runs the 100 and 200 meters. The grind is demanding, but he thrives on the challenge.
The real preparation goes beyond practice and the weightroom. “I always pray. That’s the first thing I do when I wake up, and before a game I pray again.” Alexander said.
Coming from New Orleans, Alexander didn’t know anyone when he arrived at MU. What he found, though, was a second family.
“I made a lot of friends and teammates here,” he said. “Some of them even share the same majors as me, so I’ll see them in class and at practice. Those bonds are special.”
Beyond athletics and academics Alexander is also a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, Inc., where brotherhood and leadership further shape his college experience.
Heart of an Athlete
Energetic, focused and humble. Those are the qualities that define Alexander’s persona both on the field and in life. His biggest motivator is his dad, along with his faith and teammates. “Everything I do is with heart,” he says. “I just want to keep going and going.”
The solidarity and heart carry over into the locker room, where Alexander has seen a shift in the culture of football at Methodist University.
“When I first got here, it felt like everybody was for themselves. Now, the team is really coming together,” he said. “We’ve built strong friendships and trust. Whether we’re winning or losing, we’re going to stick together and keep pushing.”
As the Monarchs begin a new season, fans will see more than just Alexander’s hustle on the field. They will see the story of a young man from NOLA who is chasing big dreams, building stronger bonds, and proving every day what it means to be a student-athlete at MU and beyond.
To see Alexander and the MU Monarchs in action, stay connected with Methodist University Athletics. Visit mumonarchs.com for schedules, and the latest updates on the season.