Hailing from Trinidad and Tobago, Theon Francis, a senior midfielder and biology major, is a force to be reckoned with on and off the soccer field.
“My growth was more mental than skill,” said Francis. “I've grown to understand my role on the team and part of that role is to lead by example.”
Since Lincoln is in the process of transitioning from Division III to Division II, the Lions have a more competitive schedule, and with a 4-4 record, they have surpassed their victory total of three from last season. Francis has made a huge contribution to the team’s improvement and current three-game winning streak.
With a team high six goals in eight games, he has already enjoyed some memorable moments this season. He scored two goals against PSU-Brandywine in a 3-1 win and a game-winning goal against Gallaudet University, in a 1-0 victory. Francis’ two goals against Columbia Union College last Sunday helped the Lions to a 3-1 win, their first against Columbia Union since 2006.
“Theon has matured a lot as a player,” said former teammate Kyle Wanamaker. “He has shown up to be a leader with both his play and attitude, and he went from being just a role player to being more vocal and more influential to the success of the team.”
Francis not only credits his improvements to his first-year coach, Z. Joseph Jallah, but credits the team’s development to him as well.
“So far the coach has helped me to be a little more focused and has encouraged me to be a little more attack minded, which can only be good for the team,” said Francis.
The players are becoming more disciplined because of the family mentality the coach is instilling in them. The new mindset is helping them to understand each other more than they did in previous years and is improving their chemistry on the field.
He believes Jallah is a good coach because he is not only concerned with their performance on the field but also their performance off the field.
Francis may be a prominent player on the field, be he also performs in the classroom. As an honors student, and biology major, Francis realizes that student always comes before athlete in the term, student-athlete. While juggling classes, soccer, and various extracurricular activities such as the king of the biology club, the senator for Caribbean Students Association, and Tri Beta, Francis has been able to stay on top of his core reason at Lincoln University, his education.
“Keeping good grades, while playing a sport, depends not only on how well you organize your time, but also depends on how well you stick to your plan,” said Francis.
And Francis has a plan for greatness. After graduation, he aspires to go to medical school to become a pediatrician. Since he was younger, he has always had dreams of becoming a doctor. Through hard work, determination, and the encouragement of his family, he can now make that dream a reality.
Francis has almost completed his tenure at Lincoln University. Coming in as a freshman international student, he knew nothing about the school but what was seen on the website. Leaving Trinidad for the first time, he took a good opportunity and made it into a great one.
“The administration and students have been greatly appreciated,” said Francis. “The support coming from the top has had a positive impact on my life.”