The six leaders selected by their teammates each describe their focal values: Passion, perfection, toughness, focus, domination and love. 

Captains Savion Williams, Brent Matiscik, Chase Curtis and Josh Hoover gather for the coin toss against Long Island University on Sept. 7. Photo by Lily Margaret Greenway

Savion Williams

Senior     Wide Receiver     Marshall, Texas

No. 3 has always been my favorite, and I wore it on my jersey in high school. But when I finally got the number back last year, it took on a whole new meaning. I wear No. 3 because I play for my family of three — my daughter Legacy, my lady and myself. 

I started my football career with a chip on my shoulder and the goal of proving a lot of people wrong. But my mindset changed for the better when I became part of this team. I bought into a greater vision of being united under one focus and discipline while each carrying out our roles. That’s how I believe we win games and grow to be successful together.  

Savion Williams celebrates a touchdown against UCF. Photo by Percise Windom

I define success as finally accomplishing something you’ve had your eyes on for a while and committing yourself to make it happen. I’ve had some fun moments on this team — my favorite being catching the last touchdown against West Virginia two years ago — but my identity has expanded beyond just being a student-athlete. I’m now a husband, a father and an individual receiving his degree in December. But I would not have this success without the influences who have pointed me in the right direction — from my coaches to my teammates to the family I represent on my jersey. 

Josh Hoover

Sophomore     Quarterback     Heath, Texas

I’ve been playing football practically since I came out of the womb. But the locker room is what brings me the most joy. 

Every morning, I pray that I can positively impact each of my teammates. Encouraging others feeds me. You truly are who you believe you are, so when you have someone who is on your side, it helps you develop confidence. I want to be that guy for everyone. 

There is something special about contributing to a purpose bigger than yourself, and we have a team full of selfless guys who do just that. Everyone has an important role — even the guys who aren’t playing every Saturday. Two years ago, I was on the scout team. It’s one of the best things that ever happened to me. I now know what it’s like to be on the other side of the ball and can lead accordingly. 

Josh Hoover readies for a snap during TCU’s Sept. 14 game against UCF. Photo by Lily Margaret Greenway

As a leader, I strive to imitate my ultimate role model, Jesus Christ. I’m nowhere close to where he was when he walked this Earth, but I’ll never stop working to be more like him. I also look up to the incredible examples set by my parents. They always wanted my siblings and me to work hard at what we loved to be successful, but they were more focused on us being great kids. That’s all I am, really—a kid who tries to show compassion toward others and make them feel special.

Of course, I want to win games and play professionally, and looking back on this season, I hope it’s a championship. But I’ll measure the success of this year by the way our team loves and shows up for each other. I think if we do those things, we’re going to like the result.  

Brent Matiscik 

Senior     Snapper     McKinney, Texas

On the field, being a captain means doing your job, making sure you’re leading by example and showing what it means to be the top guy in your position group. But off the field, it’s about carrying yourself the right way and serving as an example for the program.

When I think about the great leaders I’ve played with on this team, names like Andrew Coker, Max Duggan and Garret Wallow come to mind. Each of them held themselves and the team to a higher standard and made sure everyone was bought into accomplishing great things together. I love getting to know everybody here because I learn from every single person on this team — whether it’s a new skill, a piece of advice or a change in perspective. It’s an honor to join the list of the team’s leaders. 

Brent Matiscik snaps a ball to place holder Easton Black during TCU’s Sept. 14 football game against UCF. Photo by Lily Margaret Greenway

I commit to leading with loyalty, effort and actions. My teammates can count on me to do the right thing and get everything done the way it’s supposed to be handled. I always want to play mistake-free on the field, which only happens when I pour in a lot of effort and grit. As a specialist, I don’t have 90 plays a game to prove myself. I have maybe 10 chances to make good moves, so I focus on being perfect during those 10 opportunities to put myself and my team in the best situation. 

Bud Clark

Junior     Safety     Alexandria, Louisiana

When you meet me, the first thing I want you to know is that I’m a ball of energy. I get that from my mom. She and I are the exact same person — loud, funny and constantly feeding off of other peoples’ energy. If someone has a bad day, we’re quick to come in and say, ‘Come on, let’s get up and get going!’  

My mom raised me on her own, so she made me who I am. Watching her, I learned the value of hard work and being able to bounce back from tough situations. We don’t let circumstances hold us back. Instead, we make the best of every day and do it with smiles on our faces. 

Bud Clark participates in the school’s alma mater. Photo by Lily Margaret Greenway

With new teams in the conference this year, we’ve got to dominate like Alexander the Great! But my main goal this season is to be present wherever I am. When I’m at football practice, I’m working with a conference championship on my mind. When I’m at home, I’m focused on being a father. When I’m in class, I’m a student working to earn my master’s degree. But in everything I do, I’m centered on the gratitude of waking up every day, doing something I love and making others smile along the way.

Chase Curtis

Senior     Tight End     Pittsburg, Kansas

When I finish my seventh and final season of college football this year, I hope one thing I can look back on with confidence is that I led by example. It’s easy to say things; it’s harder to do them. Walking into the facility every day as my consistent and competitive self is important to me. I’ve always been a hard worker in everything I do — from how I lift to how I practice to how I fuel my body. We get to play football; we don’t have to. And it’s an opportunity I’ll never take for granted.

The night I got the offer to walk-on for TCU football, I remember sitting in the stands of the stadium with my dad. He didn’t blink at the price tag that came with following my dream. He just asked, “What are you going to do here?” I told him I was going to make the most of it. And I think that’s what I’ve done. I didn’t want to let down anyone who has taken the time to help me grow.

Chase Curtis corralled his second career touchdown during a Week 2 win over Long Island University. Photo by Lily Margaret Greenway

It’s hard to imagine I’m exactly where I dreamed of being five years ago, but I’m focused on enjoying the moment and not getting too caught up in what’s next. I’ve come a long way from sitting in those bleachers, but I still have a lot of work to do. I like to think I’ve made my dad proud and brought honor to my team. But I’m not finished yet.

Johnny Hodges

Junior     Linebacker     Darnestown, Maryland

My entire life, my dad has had this saying, “Everything works out for the Hodges.” The mindset that everything happens for a reason gives me the focus that things will work out exactly how they should, and I can sleep easy as long as I give my all every day and show compassion towards others.

Being named captain is my proudest accomplishment. I don’t care about any individual accolades; knowing my team selected me as a leader is more than enough for me and makes me realize I need to step it up even more. I do things a bit differently than everyone else, and people either love it or hate it. I’m an energetic, passionate, hardworking guy who keeps my head down, but I also love to laugh and goof around. Now that I’ve been chosen to lead my team, I’m setting the tone to grow in maturity and remain calm, cool and collected on and off the field. I want to be a leader for this entire community, not just for the guys I’m on the sidelines with.

Johnny Hodges chasing down a Long Island University ball carrier. Photo by Lily Margaret Greenway

Each of us captains brings something different to the table. Chase is quiet, but he’s really gritty and hardworking. Savion is so talented, so he also leads by example. Hoover and Brent are the more vocal captains, always encouraging the team. And then Bud’s the jack of all trades. It’s a nice little mix. And the six of us together, well, I think we’re doing a good job so far.

 — As told to Lily Margaret Greenway

Editor’s Note: These responses have been edited for length and clarity.