More Than the Game: Marcelino’s Journey at William Penn

At first glance, Marcelino Edwards’ journey to William Penn University might seem like a classic sports tale — a young man with hoop dreams chasing a basketball scholarship. But as you peel back the layers, what unfolds is a story much richer and more heartfelt. It’s a story about discovering purpose beyond the paint, mentorship beyond the classroom, and kinship in the unlikeliest corners of a quiet Iowa town.

Marcelino came to William Penn with a straightforward mission: ball out, go pro. “Basketball has been fun — it’s had its ups and downs,” he says with a grin. “I honestly expected to come here and take basketball all the way to the pro level.” But life has a way of rerouting us gently, and sometimes, spectacularly. Somewhere between long practices and recovering from a broken ankle, Marcelino discovered a new passion: STEM. Now double-majoring in Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, he’s on a different track — chasing data instead of dunks.

That shift didn’t happen overnight. It came through everyday moments that stacked up over time — late-night studying, long hours in office hours, and real conversations that left a mark. “My absolute favorite things about this university are my professors,” he says. “Being in a smaller school gave me the benefit of actually getting a more hands-on learning experience. My professors truly care for my education.”

That care extended beyond academics. For Marcelino, it’s the unexpected gestures that stand out the most. “When I stayed here over Thanksgiving and had nowhere to go, I was invited by one of my professors to their family’s Thanksgiving. That was really nice.” It’s a small-town kind of kindness that makes you feel seen, and for Marcelino, it turned a holiday that could’ve been lonely into one filled with warmth and connection.

Community, in fact, has been a recurring theme in his college journey — sometimes found in the least expected places. Whether guiding new students around campus as an orientation leader or connecting with international peers through tutoring and cultural events, Marcelino found ways to contribute and belong. Even off the court, he stayed in the game — building relationships, cheering others on, and soaking in stories far different from his own. “Basketball gave me friendships I’ll cherish for the rest of my life,” he says. “Tutoring helped me meet people I wouldn’t have spoken to otherwise.”

Of course, not every part of the experience has been rosy. Marcelino speaks plainly — and with a bit of humor — about the realities of living in Oskaloosa. “Honestly, Oskaloosa is a very quiet and boring town, with not much to do,” he admits. “But the people are nice.” It’s this mix of honesty and optimism that defines him. He doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges, but he always finds something to appreciate — a smile at the checkout counter, a friendly wave, or a parade that welcomes William Penn students like family.

Today, Marcelino is not only thriving academically — he’s on the President’s List — but he’s also grown emotionally. “I was sort of a hothead,” he says with a laugh. “The coaches taught me I need to keep calm… not just in sports, but in life.” That calmness, that centeredness, has made him not just a better athlete or student, but a more grounded person. 

Some of the brightest spots of his academic life have come from moments with his professors. He beams when talking about his favorite class: “Data Science — because this is what I want to do in the future.” And he doesn’t hesitate when naming favorites. “Taff Vermeulen and Ted McCoy. Mr. V is funny and truly caring, just a stand-up guy. And Mr. McCoy is a very funny and unusual professor, but probably the best professor I have had. I felt like I was learning rocket science while doing calculus… but he taught it so well that when I was done, it was like kindergarten math.”

So what advice does he have for future students? He keeps it simple and real: “Find friends and people that will make this dull town a lot brighter and fun.” Behind the joke is real wisdom — that people are the difference-makers. And for Marcelino, it’s those people — the professors who opened their homes, the teammates who became brothers, and the students who became lifelong friends — who made William Penn not just a stop along the way, but a defining chapter in his story.

From fractured ankles to food festivals, from quiet study sessions to unexpected Thanksgiving dinners, Marcelino’s time at William Penn proves that when learning is hands-on and people genuinely care, growth happens far beyond the classroom. It happens in the spaces in between — where connection, resilience, and joy quietly take root.