Leader in existence: ATH Vinkevus Pierre speaks life into his environment

WEST PALM BEACH – He’s a playmaker on the field.

He’s a juggernaut in the classroom.

And he has a way with words.

Please welcome Vinkevus Pierre to the Palm Beach County high school football stage.

The 2023 athlete from Cardinal Newman is special in his own right, as evidenced by some eloquent words of encouragement for his teammates. He will post those on social media every chance he gets.

Pierre spoke on the importance of speaking life into situations on and off the field.

“I just say what my heart feels most of the time,” the 6-foot, 175-pound athlete said. “My parents taught me to uplift others because others may look up to me, whether it’s football or basketball. I have always had a leadership role playing for my dad’s teams, and by taking on that roll it inspired me to help and inspire others.”

Pierre’s father Charvorris Roundtree and his mother Doretha Roundtree allowed him to attend Cardinal Newman so he could achieve a balanced lifestyle in academics and athletics.

At this time, Pierre has a 3.88 grade point average in the classroom. He maintained honor roll status all four semesters and was inducted into Newman’s Honor Society.

“I have great teachers and coaches at Newman to thank for that,” Pierre said. “Also, my parents instilled in me at an early age that people are not only watching me on the field but what I do in my everyday life as well, including academically. You can’t be the best player on the field and lack in the classroom. Because football is my passion, I learned to balance it with my academics. It’s important that I make my parents proud.”

With the coronavirus pandemic taking place, it has forced Pierre to keep himself up in creative ways. He spoke on how his parents have supported him in those efforts.

“I asked my dad to build me a gym in our home with everything I need to keep in shape, knowing I’ll be the only one using it,” Pierre said. “I’ve been washing my hands a lot, wearing a mask when I go out, and practicing social distancing. The advice I would give my classmates is I know with this pandemic the world has changed in many different ways. Continue to work hard whether it’s academic and/or athletic. We all have a goal, and that goal is to be great.”

It also helps that Pierre’s mother works in the health care field, which effectively means she is labeled as an essential worker.

“My mother’s a nurse, so throughout this whole pandemic she’s been on the frontline caring for others with Covid-19 and trying to keep my dad and I safe as well,” Pierre said. “She’s my hero.”

With all that said, Pierre is looking to build on what was a successful freshman season at Newman.

This past year, Pierre finished with 42 tackles (7 TFL’s), 6 pass breakups, 3 interceptions, and 2 fumble recoveries, while adding 3 catches for 56 yards. His best game was against Clewiston (13-0 win; Week 8), when he recorded 10 tackles (3 TFL’s) and 1 interception in his first varsity football start at Cardinal Newman.

And for the upcoming fall season – if it even happens – Pierre wants his numbers to grow across the board as a sophomore. His goal is to have at least 900 all-purpose yards with 10 touchdowns on offense, while leading the team with at least 6 interceptions and 3 defensive touchdowns.