Hixson High School Class of 2025
June 3, 2025 – From late practices to early mornings, one of Hixson High’s most recent graduates, Adam Billingsley has never taken the traditional path, and that’s exactly what makes his story one to watch.
Adam’s journey to college football wasn’t always certain. In fact, he started later than most.
“I never thought I’d be the kind of person to be able to play college ball,” Adam said. “I started late. I started playing at the age of 14, so I started pretty late. But ever since then, I’ve had great coaches, and they helped me out.”
That late start hasn’t slowed him down one bit. Just this spring, Adam signed to play football at Tusculum University in Greeneville, Tennessee, where he’ll also major in exercise science. His big dream? The NFL.
“To be in the NFL, playing, living my dream out,” he shared. “That’s my dream, to be financially stable, get married, have kids, and live the life I’ve always imagined.”
And this summer marks a new chapter in more ways than one. Adam’s also getting his own set of wheels.
“First thing I want to do this summer? Hit the weight room. And then I’ll also get a car,” he said with a grin. “I’m so excited to get a car. Right now, I’m looking at some Chevy Cruzes and then some basic Kias. Just something I can get around with.”
It’s clear that Adam brings energy and focus to everything he does, and that’s advice he’d pass on to the next generation of students.
“Stay locked in,” he said. “My freshman year kind of killed the rest of my years. I wasn’t really as focused. So definitely, stay more focused on work and actually, like, involve yourself in things.”
Adam’s favorite quote speaks volumes about his mindset:
“There are consequences to your actions. Make sure they’re the consequences you want.”
At Hixson, Adam made the most of his time by diving into both academics and athletics. He was involved in football, wrestling, track, student government, and served as a student ambassador. When asked what he is happy he is leaving behind, he didn’t say tests, he mentioned his legacy.
“A lot of people here know who I am. They know I’m a genuine person and that I’m determined,” he said. “I’ve been a role model to a couple of the students here on my football team, wrestling team, and track team. So that is one thing I am happy I am leaving behind. I want everybody that I’ve encountered to be better than me. That’s one thing I’ve always believed in. ”
When reflecting on what makes Hixson High special, Adam didn’t hesitate.
“Honestly, I think the teachers here care a lot,” he said. “We also have a program dedicated to helping some troubled students out here, which is really big here.”
As Adam prepares for the next step with a new school, new teammates, and a new city, he’s taking with him the lessons and relationships that shaped his high school years.
With eyes on the NFL, a car on the horizon, and the determination to back it all up, one thing’s clear: Adam Billingsley is just getting started and we are all better for it.
