When you think of a leader, the persona that probably comes to mind is a well-known figure who has no trouble standing up in front of a crowd and telling them what needs to be done and how to do it. However, not all leaders are the most vocal of the room. Some are quiet and lead by example. Parker Miller is one of those leaders.
Miller, a senior sports management major and member of the Union men’s soccer team, grew up in White House, Tenn., which is 30 minutes north of Nashville. He started playing soccer when he was four.
“It’s kind of just the sport that you pick when you’re a little kid I guess, and then I just loved it so I kept playing,” Miller said.
When deciding which college he would attend, he was drawn to Union because of its sports management program and the opportunity to join the soccer program.
Miller was part of men’s soccer head coach Steven Cox’s first recruiting class. Because of the time frame in which Cox was hired, he did not get the chance to see Miller play while he was recruiting him. Instead, he took the word of Scott Sinclair, the head coach of the women’s soccer team, regarding Miller’s soccer skills.
Even though Cox did not get to see Miller play firsthand, he was still able to have conversations with him. As he talked to Miller, he was intrigued by Miller’s faith and personality.
“He had this very kind of determined but quiet personality,” Cox said. “I think that personality and that kind of mentality can play a really important role because you can’t have all guys that are going to be loud and vocal. You need guys that kind of just show up and do a job and are happy and content, and I thought Parker would kind of be that guy.”
Since Miller joined the team in Aug. 2017, his role on the soccer field has changed from year to year. Through this, he proved to be someone that his teammates could approach and look up to.
Off the field, he is able to help some of his teammates with academics. On the field, he is able to be there for those who are still establishing their role.
In addition to school and soccer, Miller is able to help his teammates walk in their faith. The team has a Bible study that Miller is able to take part in and encourage teammates to join.
By being there for his teammates, Miller is growing in his own walk with the Lord.
“[I’ve been] learning how many different backgrounds people have and how to then correctly talk about the Lord where it still appeals to them, so learning more about them before you just smash the Bible over their head,” Miller said.
Miller is someone who is dedicated to his teammates individually and as a whole team. Cox sees that and is very appreciative of Miller’s willingness to put his personal interests aside.
“He’s done a great job of showing up every day with a great attitude and still training and still competing and still doing his best even though he may not be playing as much as I’m sure that he wants to play,” Cox said.
When asked what the first thing is that comes to mind when thinking about Miller, Cox talked about Miller’s selflessness.
“I think he’s more concerned about the team and the group and what we’re trying to accomplish than his own individual goals,” Cox said. “A lot of guys in his spot would have just quit, and the fact that he’s been faithful to the program and been committed for four years without getting what he wanted and sacrificing a lot, that would probably be the first thing that comes to my mind with Parker.”
Photo Credit Union University Athletics
