Q&A with Kal Wilson: From Brooklyn to Bowdoin Football

Kal Wilson is a standout athlete who currently plays for the Bowdoin College football team. In this conversation, Kal opens up about his journey from growing up in Brooklyn to finding his way to the field at Bowdoin. He shares his experiences, challenges, and the mindset that has helped him become the player he is today.

Q: Kal, thanks for joining me today. Let’s start with a bit about your background. Where did you grow up, what high school did you attend, and what sports did you play growing up?

Kal Wilson: Sure! I was born in Brooklyn, but I moved to New Jersey when I was about seven years old. Growing up, I played flag football until high school because my parents didn’t let me play tackle football. It was just flag football for me all through elementary and middle school. Then, when I got to high school, I made the switch to tackle football. Honestly, I didn’t know much about football at the time—didn’t know positions or anything—but I loved it from the start. I played defensive end during my freshman year and had a great first season. That experience made me fall in love with the game, and I kept playing through sophomore year and beyond.

Q: That’s awesome! It’s great that you were able to dive into the sport at such a high level, even though you were new to it. You mentioned you moved from Brooklyn—how was that transition for you? Was it a difficult change?

Kal Wilson: It wasn’t that difficult. We moved because my brother was born, and my parents wanted to raise us in the suburbs. It wasn’t a huge change for me since I was so young. But if I had stayed in Brooklyn, I don’t think I would have played football because the culture around the sport there is different. In suburban areas, football is more common, and that definitely played a role in me starting the sport.

Q: That makes sense. Moving on to some challenges you’ve faced—was there ever a point in your athletic journey, whether in flag football, high school, or now in college, where you faced a significant challenge that sticks with you today?

Kal Wilson: I think one of the biggest challenges I faced growing up was not being allowed to play tackle football when all my friends were. It felt a little isolating at the time. I really wanted to play, but I wasn’t allowed to, and it was frustrating. Once I got to high school and finally played tackle, though, it didn’t really matter anymore. All that prior experience didn’t hold me back. I ended up loving it and quickly caught up to where I needed to be.

Q: I can imagine that must’ve been tough, but it sounds like you turned that frustration into motivation. Now, in college, balancing sports, school, and social life can be overwhelming. How do you handle the stress and pressure that comes with it? Do you have any coping mechanisms?

Kal Wilson: The first semester at Bowdoin has definitely been a challenge. Balancing college-level coursework with sports is a different ballgame. The key thing I’ve learned is to plan my days out in advance. I didn’t really do that in high school, but now I make sure to schedule out exactly when I’m going to study, when I’m going to practice, and even when I’m going to take breaks. I write everything down in my calendar, so I stay on top of things. One thing that really helps is going to the library to study, instead of staying in my room where I’d get distracted by my phone. Also, before games, I like to listen to music to get in the zone. I always play some Young Thug—“Digits” is a big pregame hype song for me.

Q: That’s a solid strategy. Now, college football can be intense, both mentally and physically. Do you feel like you have the support system you need—whether it’s from teammates, coaches, or family?

Kal Wilson: Absolutely. It’s something I really feel in college that I didn’t necessarily feel in high school—there’s a stronger bond within the team here at Bowdoin. Even though I’ve only known these guys for a semester, we’re already like a family. We spend so much time together, especially during summer training, which is three weeks of nonstop practice and team bonding. The coaches and teammates are all incredibly supportive. There’s no one I would be afraid to reach out to if I needed help. That sense of family really makes a difference, and I think it’s crucial to talk to someone when you’re not feeling mentally or emotionally strong. The great thing about football and other team sports is that you build such a tight-knit community where everyone looks out for each other.

Q: That’s a great point. It sounds like you’ve really found your place at Bowdoin and are building solid relationships. Now, I’m curious, have you ever experienced negative feedback, either on social media or from coaches or teammates? How does that affect you mentally, and how do you overcome it?

Kal Wilson: Oh yeah, definitely. I’ve seen players get benched or not get the playing time they expect, and it’s tough to handle at first. But you can’t let those things get you down. I’ve learned that you have to know, in your heart, that you’re doing your best and working hard. You’ve got to have the mindset that you’re the best guy on the field, even if things don’t always go your way. Coaches make decisions, and that’s part of the game. You’ve just got to adapt, stay calm, and focus on what you can control. Don’t compare yourself to others—everyone has their own path. If you keep working and stay mentally strong, the opportunities will come.

Q: That’s some great advice. So, if you could go back and give advice to your younger self, maybe your flag football self or the Kal in Brooklyn who was unsure about playing football—what would you tell him?

Kal Wilson: I’d tell him to stay focused on himself and not worry about trying to fit in or do what everyone else is doing. When I was younger, I just wanted to play tackle football to be like my friends, but I didn’t really understand the game. I didn’t even know what I was getting into. I’d tell my younger self to stay patient, focus on your goals, and trust that your time will come. Keep honing your skills and don’t let anyone else’s opinions or expectations influence you. Just focus on becoming the best version of yourself.

Q: That’s some solid advice, Kal. It’s clear that your mindset has played a big role in your journey. Thanks again for taking the time to talk today and sharing your story. Best of luck at Bowdoin and beyond!

Kal Wilson: Of course, man! Thanks for having me.

Kal Wilson’s journey is a testament to perseverance, focus, and the importance of trusting the process. Whether it was overcoming early challenges or staying mentally strong during tough times, Kal’s story serves as an inspiration for athletes at all levels. His advice—stay focused on your goals, trust your path, and lean on your teammates—reminds us that success in sports and life is about resilience and believing in yourself.