Even though being a Division I athlete takes a lot of sacrifice, Malachi Wright doesn’t see it that way. He believes his family are the ones that sacrificed for him and is taking full advantage of his opportunities with a positive mindset at Central Connecticut State University. 

Wright is a senior linebacker on the football team and has spent four years at Central. He attended West Haven High School and completed a postgraduate year at Choate Rosemary Hall. 

He credits his parents for playing a large part in getting him to where he is today. Whether it was bringing him to practice, buying him equipment, or traveling to his peewee football games, they always looked out for him. 

The days are long, and the only time he gets to rest and relax is Sundays. During the season, his weeks include 5:50 a.m. Monday meetings, 6:40 a.m. meetings, film study, practice, lifting, Friday walk-throughs, traveling to away games and game day on Saturday—before doing it all over again the next week.  

For him, it’s not just during the season—he also works hard in the summer.  

“I woke up at 4:20 every morning and drove to New Britain with some of my teammates [to work out],” he said. “I could have been doing anything else, [and] that motivates me,” Wright said. 

During tough stretches of the season, Wright continues to remind himself that others face harder challenges. 

“My problems aren’t as deep,” he said. “So, I try to push forward for them and my teammates.” 

Goals are very important to him, and he keeps some near his locker for motivation, inspiration, and to stay on the right path. 

Nothing is guaranteed, whether it’s getting paid to play, gaining fame or getting a chance to go pro, but that doesn’t stop him from doing what he loves and reaping the benefits he has earned. 

“Getting free education, meeting new people, [building] connections and lifelong friends,” he said. 

He emphasized how important it is for him to go to school for free. 

“I’m [going to] graduate with a degree for free,” he said. “No student debt, no loans or anything like that, which I’m 100 percent thankful for.” 

What motivates him is his family, teammates, and himself, and he said you really have to want it. He also does it for his peers at his old high school who weren’t able to have a college experience. 

Wright felt that CCSU was the best option for him because he clicked with the coaches. His appreciation for their honesty and alignment with the team’s culture solidified his decision.  

“Show up on time with a good attitude,” led by their head coach, Adam Lechtenberg, who always preaches those words. 

His favorite part of Central athletics is the number of people he gets to meet. 

Balancing sports with his classes hasn’t been a challenge because he understands that he chose to be a student athlete and knows what comes with it. His focus is making sure he eats after practice and before classes to replace all the calories he burns. 

When he’s not on the field or in the classroom, he likes to watch movies, study previous games, and hang out with his friends. 

Wright is set to graduate in spring 2026 and doesn’t take the opportunity he has for granted. His parents and friends introduced him to football and guided him along the way. He continues to follow through with his hard work to give himself a better future.