Central High School’s slogan says it’s the “home of scholars and champions,” and senior Mahari Miller has represented the Golden Eagles well.
The state champion wrestler and football player revealed his plans after graduation via Twitter last week, announcing his commitment to continue his academic and football career at Columbia University next year.
Miller, who boasts a 3.96 GPA in addition to his athletic feats, had other Ivy League offers from Brown and Cornell as well as Bryant University. His biggest priority was finding a college that would help prepare him for his field of work and excel at the Division I level.
“My decision was the best decision for me, but I kept in mind the doors it would open for dudes after me and let those Ivy schools know there’s dudes around here with the grades and athletic ability,” Miller said.
“No matter where I chose to go, I’m always going to be 413 made and I’m proud to know where I came from because it makes it that more special.”
Where he came from had much to do with where he’ll end up, and the plethora of Division I prospects over at Central is a testament to the atmosphere Coach Valdamar Brower has created around his football program.
That culture helped Miller realize his potential during after the Golden Eagles state championship run in 2018.
“Honestly, it wasn’t until the spring of 2019 when coaches started to come in to Central and I realized playing D-I could be an option,” Miller said.
“The culture at Central just kept me motivated from the guys before me allowing me to know what I needed to do to make it happen.”
He met the Columbia Lions’ defensive line coach, Darin Edwards, at a showcase at Deerfield Academy and the two formed a relationship. His favorite part about the football program was the love and hospitality they showed him on visits, and the school’s New York City location opened his eyes to even more opportunity.
“The ultimate factor was location for me,” Miller said. “What’s a better place to be than New York City during college? The opportunities are endless. The decision wasn’t so hard because I could see myself there and it felt like home.”
Miller has many to thank for his next prestigious opportunity, and while studying computer science and finance at Columbia, he hopes other area athletes will look up to him as well to pursue their goals.
“I can’t name each individual who helped me because a lot of people gave me a lot of great insight to make my decision but my parents and family stayed the course with me, encouraging me and letting me know this was possible if I put the work in and I can’t thank them enough,” Miller said.
“And add in a shoutout for my boys that graduated and are doing their thing on the next level!”