Boynton Beach student who thrives on the soccer field and in the aerospace program

BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. – Nikolas McNutt-Williams never played football until he was in high school. You can now find No. 0 making tackles all over the football field in Boynton Beach.

McNutt-Williams, a graduate of Boynton Beach High School, is what you would call a high achiever.

“The first year was really fun,” McNutt-Williams said. “Everyone around me helped me, built me ​​up and I’ve been here for four years now.”

The 1.80 meter tall, 70 kilogram defensive back is an integral part of the Tigers’ defense in a season that has been rather up and down, according to coach Daniel Mendoza.

“We’re just trying to find ourselves,” Mendoza said. “With the chaotic offseason, the spring and the start of the summer, I’m trying to get these guys on the same page and make them understand that they’re committed to structure and consistency.”

McNutt-Williams can be seen in not only a football uniform, but also a pilot’s uniform with stripes, all as a member of the Boynton Aerospace Academy.

“I had a teacher, a very funny guy, a lot of jokes, a cool guy. He got me started in aeronautical engineering where I learned all the basics of airplanes and flying airplanes,” said McNutt-Williams. “And from then on everything went smoothly. Smooth flight – if you want to put it that way.”

The aerospace program is a partnership between Palm Beach County Schools and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Students can study aviation, aeronautical science and unmanned systems, more commonly known as drones.

“The way I think in the classroom I can transfer to the way I think on the field,” McNutt-Williams said.