CAMILLA, Ga. — Wes Swilley, a senior at Westwood, has been named the first VSU Scholar Athlete of 2026.

The Camilla native is a two-sport athlete who has spent his senior year soaking up every moment of his final season.

“I know that when I look back in the future, I wouldn’t change anything. I gave everything on the court,” Swilley said.

This fall, Swilley wrapped up his football career after playing varsity since his freshman year. The left guard embraced a new role this season, playing on both sides of the ball.

“I got All-State and All-Region. It was fun learning a new position because I’ve really never played Defensive End. I had someone older than me playing it prior. It was fun, with all the coaches, learning, just playing with my teammates. And we were pretty good,” Swilley said.

Swilley has played varsity basketball for five years, starting as an eighth grader and now serving as the Wildcats’ captain as a senior.

Coach Eugene Fries has watched Swilley’s development throughout his career.

“I mean, he started as a guy, hardly getting any minutes at all, not playing much. He learned and watched and developed behind the guys in front of him. And then by his sophomore year, he started getting a lot more minutes. Then starting by his junior year, he became a real presence inside for us,” Fries said.

When he’s not playing football or basketball, Swilley coaches. He and teammate Nebraska West coach Westwood’s 4th and 5th grade basketball team.

“I see some of them at my games right before I go out... I love seeing them. I cheer them on; they cheer me on. I like them coming in with smiles on their faces, just laughing all the time,” Swilley said.

In the classroom, Swilley describes himself as a hard worker. With his final year coming to a close, the senior is starting to apply for trade schools where he hopes to become an electrician, working in South Georgia.

“I just find it kinda cool. I know a lot of people around here who do the job, and I just like seeing how it works. I like the people around here and the businesses and stuff, everyone is so friendly,” Swilley said.

Swilley says he owes his success to his parents who taught him to never give up and to never look back.

Congratulations to Wes Swilley for being recognized as this week’s Valdosta State Scholar Athlete!

If you know an outstanding student-athlete, click here to nominate them.

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