WEST PALM BEACH – Relationships matter.
This is a lesson that one will learn at some point in life. It is something that has served Rahmsley Estime quite well.
The Berean Christian senior wide receiver and defensive back made his final college decision official when he signed his letter of intent with Mount Union (Ohio) on the afternoon of April 14. He pledged his commitment to the 13-time Division III national championship program on the evening of March 18.
“It feels great, almost like it’s all coming together for me,” the 5-foot-10, 165-pound athlete said. “I got a lot of help from my family and friends and my uncle as well. And after my visit up there and speaking with Coach [Geoff] Dartt, something told me this is the place for me.”
Speaking of Estime’s college visit to Mount Union, it took place on the weekend of Feb. 12-14. The Bulldogs senior spoke on his experience in Alliance, Ohio, where Mount Union is located.
“I went up there February 12th, and as a Floridan the cold was questionable,” Estime said. “But the beautiful campus and awesome facilities definitely made up for it.”
Another factor into why Estime chose the Ohio Athletic Conference school was the direct level of impact that fellow Palm Beach County native, Mount Union alum, and former NFL wide receiver Pierre Garçon has had on him.
“He’s always been in my life,” Estime said. “And in my last few years of high school, he’s been really helping me and my friends out and always talking to me. He’s always wanting what’s best for me and the family, so when it was time I knew what I had to do.”
There is another kind of bond that links both Estime and Garçon. They are of Haitian descent.
“It’s very inspiring to say the least, and the fact that I get to represent is amazing,” Estime said.
Strong relationships help to overcome almost any situation. With the rock-solid support of Garçon, Berean Christian head coach Mario Jackson and his entire coaching staff, and Estime’s teammates, he was able to withstand a challenging senior season in which Berean Christian finished with an 0-8 record in 2020.
“It didn’t go as planned,” said Estime, who had 20 catches for 205 yards and one touchdown, as well as a 61-yard touchdown pass last fall. “But our brotherhood stayed together and didn’t give up until the final whistle. We had a young quarterback and offensive line, so we had to work with what we had. All in all, it was very enjoyable and memorable and I couldn’t ask for a better coach or teammates.”