Feature Story
Psychology, Leadership, and Football: Spike Adams Embraces Every Opportunity at SVU
When psychology major Spike Adams (’27) decided to attend Southern Virginia University, it was a split-second decision resulting from an unshakable feeling that SVU is where he is meant to be. Originally from American Fork, Utah, Adams is now in his junior year, and that decision has evolved into a deep commitment to the school and a powerful spiritual confirmation that he belongs there.
“I knew I wanted to play college football and had opportunities at other schools, but when I saw the homepage of Southern Virginia’s website I had a really good feeling about it, so I decided to commit and come out here,” said Adams. “It’s hard to explain, but now that I’m here, I feel that same pull telling me to stay. I believe God wants me here, but now it’s more than that. I just love being here.”
As a linebacker for the Knights, Adams has found joy not just in the game he loves, but with the camaraderie and leadership that come with it. This 2025–26 season has been especially fulfilling with the team experiencing a historic season and setting a new program record–milestones that Adams calls both exciting and rewarding.
“I knew it would be an investment to come here, but I also wanted to try and help grow a winning team,” he said. “It’s been really rewarding to come back this year–not only to be doing so well, but also helping my teammates experience this culture and realize they’re a part of something special.”
Off the field, Adams is just as driven. He also competes in track and field, serves as a resident advisor, participates in the newly formed President’s Service and Leadership Institute (PSLI), and serves on the Institute Council for the Southern Virginia Institute of Religion, all while preparing for law school through a pre-law concentration and psychology major.
“I love the fact that when walking from one class to the next, or just being on campus, I see so many people that I know and can chat with because it’s a smaller campus,” said Adams. “And I can always meet someone new! These are memories I’ll always remember–seeing friends in between classes and being able to catch up with them even during a crazy day.”
“I feel like every day I get some spiritual edification, whether through institute classes and even in my regular classes,” Adams continued. “It’s one of the reasons I came here and feel so strongly about staying here. We can talk about God and church in class, and that’s something I really value. Having our church building right here on campus also helps me and really helps build the campus community.”
Looking ahead, Adams is currently considering corporate and business law with help from the university’s Hugh & Cindy Redd Launch Center, which offers career advising and networking. For now, though, he’s fully immersed and committed to being a Knight and looking forward to what his remaining time at Southern Virginia University holds for him.