Senior Spotlight: Nicholas Lacy

RALEIGH, N.C. - There are many life changing events during the college years, especially for those who are fortunate enough to play collegiate sports. But for senior corner back Nicholas Lacy, not all of the events that have changed the course of his life involve his play on the football field. In fact, they haven't even taken place on this continent.

Lacy has spent the past two spring breaks on mission trips to Nakuru, Kenya, where he and some of his Wolfpack teammates have ministered to the children at the Mountain Park Academy. This past spring the group, was up to four members, as punter A.J. Cole, running back Brady Bodine, and linebacker Airius Moore all made the weeklong trip.

"It is awesome to give back, but it is also about the relationships that you get to forge through these different avenues," said Lacy.

"When I got to go to Kenya I got to meet all kinds of different people living a completely different lifestyle that I had not been exposed to. Their world is so different, and being able to connect with them and make a difference has been rewarding each and every time."

Lacy and his teammates were fortunate enough to be able to take over supplies and food and give them to the kids.

"There has been no better feeling in the world then to experience that and to help somebody else," said Lacy. "Those relationships are such a reward. A lot of the kids we see continue to write us letters."

Now entering his senior season, Lacy is looked upon as a vocal leader both among the cornerbacks and on the many different specials teams groups he contributes on.

"I think playing special teams is just as important as playing on offense or defense. It is important for me to contribute to the team however I can, whether it's on the punt or kickoff team.

"I love the opportunity to be out there with my teammates. When I can be on the field with them, running around out there, I'm loving life."

He has twice been named as one of the Wolfpack's Scout Team Players of the Year for his work on the defensive side of the ball, and last season he earned the Bob Warren Award, which recognizes a player's integrity and sportsmanship.

"He provides you a guy that has incredible trustworthiness," said head coach Dave Doeren. "We know we can put Nicholas in the game at any time, and he's going to execute the call and play hard. He's a great special teams player."

Because of his contributions both on defense and special teams, Lacy went from walk-on to scholarship player in the summer of 2015. The announcement came at one of the Wolfpack's team meetings, and his teammates got to enjoy the moment with him."

"It was an awesome feeling," said Lacy. "Every single walk-on works hard, so there is not a bigger reward. There is no other feeling like it then when coach announces you are on scholarship in front of your teammates.

"It provides me even more motivation to keep working hard. I don't want to let a single guy in that locker room down. I want to continue to give back to the team any way I can."

Head coach Dave Doeren has been fortunate to be able to provide such opportunities to walk-ons during his tenure at NC State, as 12 different players have been awarded a scholarship after beginning their careers as walk-ons.

"When you get to give somebody something that they've earned, that everybody in the room respects them for, and that is life changing, it is a great feeling," said Doeren. "It's not every day you get to do something for somebody that has earned it. He has earned it.

"I know it's a box that they've wanted to check, but this is something that he is going to have for his whole life, that he earned it."

After having experienced that situation himself, Lacy knows the feeling when a walk-on gets the ultimate team reward.

"I love watching guys get their moment now. It is a little extra special to me I think because I was fortunate to be in that same spot," said Lacy. "It really is an amazing feeling how everybody rallies around you and there is just so love in that meeting room when coach makes those special announcements."

Coming from Pinehurst High School, Lacy almost never made it to NC State for that scholarship. As a senior in high school, Lacy had accepted a scholarship to Air Force, and was getting ready to start a completely different college experience.

"I got the scholarship to Air Force and one of the final steps was to fill out a standard questionnaire," said Lacy. "The last question they ask is if you have any chronic illnesses. I'm always honest, so I said yes about my asthma.

"Since I have it, I was not allowed to go because of the high altitude in Colorado."

The whole process happened late in Lacy's senior year. And while most of his high school friends were thinking about what decorations to buy for their dorm room, Lacy was worried just where his dorm room would be.

"I was almost in panic mode at the end of my senior year," said Lacy. "It was really late when all of that happened, so I relied on my high school coach to help find me a situation to play football in college.

"He talked to former safeties Coach Clayton White, who watched some filmed and invited me to join NC State. In the end it really did work out because I got to come here, and not just experience the football side of things I have, but all the different aspects I have enjoyed."

Coming full circle from not even knowing which college he would attend, Lacy reflects back to where he is now entering his final season.

"I got this great opportunity so late in the process, so the whole time I have been here I just want to contribute in any little way I can for all that everybody has done for me."

Lacy will now graduate with his degree in human biology in May.

"I originally thought I would get into physical therapy, but I'm not so sure anymore," said Lacy. "Right now I'm thinking about getting more and more into global health, especially after having experienced a couple of trips overseas. I love being able to travel and being able to help once there in any capacity I'm needed."

Before he starts thinking about where his next journey will take him, Lacy cannot wait to be back on the field with his teammates for one final season.

"I'm so excited for this season, this last go-around for me," said Lacy. "I get so excited to get on that bus every Friday and either go to the team hotel or go on the road. I'm excited to see all the hard work we put into the offseason, to see how it pays off this year."

North Carolina State University Athletics

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