With the looming date of National Decision Day approaching, several students begin to finalize their college, trade school or military plans for the Fall. For seniors such as Isaac Sikes-Rasby (58), his post-high school decision became clear quite early this year when he officially committed to play football at the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Charlotte February 5, 2025. As he embraced his closest friends and family, Sikes-Rasby signed on for the next four years on UNC Charlotte’s green and gold campus.
As a child, a young but vertically gifted Sikes-Rasby tried out sports such as basketball before he discovered his love of contact sports, leading him to join football. Since he became acquainted with the gridiron, Sikes-Rasby has manifested success in his career, with hopes to play in the National Football League (NFL) and inspire people on and off the field. Like several members of NC’s varsity football team (11-1), he also participated in the NC varsity wrestling team during the middle of his high school career. Ultimately, Sikes-Rasby chose to focus on football to hone his skills and fully commit himself to preparing for collegiate ball. Through each of his sports-related endeavors, the athlete found camaraderie among his fellow teammates, emerging as a leader in various settings.
“I’ve always been a football player at heart. The thing I love most about playing for NC is the friends that I consider family that I made during my time here. I love that I can go into the community with an NC football shirt on and people look up to me and hold me to a high standard,” Sikes-Rasby said. 
Driven by his faith, Sikes-Rasby always seeks to motivate others on the field to believe in themselves and to trust in the process toward fulfilling their purpose. He excitedly aims to focus on the cultivation and the perfection of his craft, so that he can truly accomplish not only his professional goals, but his personal ones as well.
Upon receiving his acceptance to UNC Charlotte, Sikes-Rasby felt an incredible sense of gratitude when he realized he would reside closer to several of his family members. As he plans to spend time with his biological family, he also anticipates building on the bond he’s already created with his team members and coaching staff. Although the promising athlete feels poignant excitement toward his future endeavors, he equally holds NC and the community he became a part of over the past four years in high regard. In his near-parting, Sikes-Rasby hopes that NC’s underclassman can follow in his footsteps by honing in on their beliefs and daring to chase their dreams.
“Football has changed my life in a multitude of ways. It taught me to be resilient in the face of diversity, to work hard for something that I desire, and to never, under any circumstances, quit. To any incoming freshmen or underclassmen, I would say[ that] God has a different plan for everyone; just because it’s not your time doesn’t mean your time isn’t coming. Focus on you and perfecting your craft,” Sikes-Rasby said.
The Chant wishes Sikes-Rasby success during his time at UNC Charlotte and remains proud of all of his accolades thus far. Go 49ers!
