Satchel Moore Never Looks Back

Satchel Moore

Satchel Moore '21

Choose a school closer to home or try something new down South. Thankfully, when Satchel Moore '21 was weighing his college options, it resulted in a packed suitcase and a move from New York City to Davidson, North Carolina—quite a change after traveling to high school each morning by bus and a 45-minute train ride.

Since that move-in day, the football player, political science major, startup intern and social justice advocate has made the most of his time as a Wildcat.

"I'm named after [baseball great] Satchel Paige, and I live by his quote, 'Don't look back, something might be gaining on you,'" Satchel says. "For me, that's about always looking ahead and setting new goals."

Satchel, the middle child among four sisters, learned about Davidson through football recruitment, but it was a visit to campus that showed him it was home.

"I could envision myself on campus, as part of a tight-knit community," he says. "I knew I'd be pushed on both sides—academics and athletics. And that's exactly what my experience has been."

The scholar-athlete has become a pro at time management and prioritizing what matters most. That doesn't mean he hasn't fit a lot in. He was among the first cohort of students to take part in the Davidson in Silicon Valley program, and he is involved in the Unity Council, created by football players to fight systemic racism and build community. Last summer, he interned with a startup company, working on an app that sells golf gear—like eBay, but only for golf.

"Davidson has allowed me to grow, to be comfortable trying something new," Satchel says. "President Quillen helps students feel backed by the school every step of the way."

The Class of 1928 Scholarship has supported Satchel every step of the way, too. After graduating in May, he plans to pursue a master's degree in public policy or maybe law school, interests he credits to his mom, who always stayed up on current events and politics and never missed the 6 p.m. news.

One thing is certain about Satchel's next step: He's not looking back.