As his senior year at Maricopa High School approaches, Thomas Nix is preparing for a future that doesn’t involve stadium lights and cheering crowds. Instead, the 17-year-old athlete has officially enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, choosing military service over potential offers to play college football. 
Nix, who recently transferred to MHS from Chandler, said the change in environment played a key role in his development, both on and off the field. 
“It’s more diverse, the teachers are more engaging, the coaches are more engaging,” Nix said. 
He credited Coaches Karl Evans and Theodore Thompson for motivating him in football, and Coach Sherraun for encouraging him in track, “even getting me to try hurdles.” 
Nix plays punter for the Rams’ special teams unit and sees time at wide receiver and defensive backfield positions. He’s been involved in football since age 7, starting with flag football and later transitioning to tackle in high school.  
It’s that sense of competition that keeps him returning to the sport. That same drive is what made the military so interesting, he said. 
“The competition overall in the military, especially in the Marine Corps, is something I’ve drawn love to,” Nix said. “It’s physically, mentally and emotionally demanding, but I genuinely feel I can do something out of it and make a career out of it.” 
Last week, he formally signed enlistment papers and plans to enter the Marines after graduation. His ultimate goal is to serve in MARSOC, the Marine Corps’ elite special operations unit. 
“I’ve been looking at the military as a backdoor plan since freshman year,” Nix said. “This last season opened my eyes. Realistically, if it doesn’t go as planned, I’m going into the Marine Corps.” 
Military service is a family tradition. His great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather and uncle were all Marines, he said. Nix was also born on Fort Campbell, Ky., while his father was serving in the 101st Airborne Division of the Army. 
His mother, Jennifer Nix, a cancer survivor, said her son has long demonstrated the core values that align with military service. 
“We as a family encourage it,” she said. “Thomas has a lot of the core values the Marine Corps has. I think the refinement he’ll go through is going to be really helpful for him as a young man.” 
Although Nix qualifies for full-ride scholarships to in-state schools like the University of Arizona and Arizona State University due to his family’s financial hardship, he chose a more demanding route, one in which his work will often be shrouded in national secrecy. 
Nix is currently training for the physical demands of boot camp and the Individual Training Course, the entry point for Marine Raiders. When Nix is not at football practice or running track, he works out independently at Copper Sky Recreation Center, following a self-guided schedule, he said. 
His mother said she believes her son is making the right choice.  
“For the man that he wants to become, this is the best path for him,” she said. “Football is an incredible sport, but I think he’s going to have a better experience in his 20s living the active lifestyle that the Marine Corps will provide.” 
As he enters his final year of high school, Nix said he is confident in his decision and determined to make the most of it. 
“It feels nice knowing that I have a plan after high school that’s not just football,” he said. “Knowing I have a future already in motion, it’s a good feeling.” 


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