There's a moment every running back dreams about — the handoff, the surge forward, and a clear path opening up behind his blockers. For Preston McCoy, that moment often starts with following the powerful push from his offensive line.

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"When those guys get off the line, they make our job so much easier," McCoy said. "It feels natural now. You just trust them — they open up holes on every play, and by the time I hit the line, my eyes are already on the secondary."

It's parallels McCoy's journey — running with patience, trusting the people ahead of him, and finding opportunities.

McCoy, a senior from Galva, Iowa, didn't plan to play college football. A graduate of Alta-Aurelia High School, he had his eyes on something different coming out of high school.

"I was planning to go to a big state school," he said. "I wasn't even sure I wanted to play sports in college. My dream was to head south, get out of Iowa, and do something different."

That changed late in his high school career when Dordt entered the picture.

"Honestly, I hadn't even really heard about Dordt until pretty late," McCoy recalled. "But when I came for a visit, I just felt something different. I feel like God moved me when I stepped on campus. The people were so intentional, and it just felt like I was part of something."

He credits friends like alumnus Cade Rohwer for introducing him to "the Defender way," and he quickly connected with Dordt coaches McCormick, Knobloch, and Jungling during the recruiting process.

"I could tell they cared about me as a person, not just as a player," McCoy said. "That really stood out compared to some of the other schools."

McCoy began traveling with the team as a freshman, first contributing on special teams before earning chances in the backfield. His "next man up" mentality became a defining part of his approach.

"I love that role," he said. "You never know when your number's going to be called, so you've got to be ready. I've always tried to stay in the moment and make the most of every chance."

In recent games, those chances have led to touchdowns — moments he's quick to share with his offensive linemen sprinting downfield to celebrate beside him.

"It's awesome seeing those guys in the end zone with you," McCoy smiled. "They make it happen."

Off the field, McCoy's path has taken its own turns. Originally planning to pursue radiology, he shifted to business marketing after discovering a passion for entrepreneurship. He now runs two small businesses — a power washing service and an auto detailing operation — both started during college.

"I started small, just doing a few jobs for neighbors, but it really took off," he said. "We've done banks, condos, hog barns — though I try to stay away from those when I can," he laughed.

McCoy credits Professor Dale Zevenbergen, his advisor and mentor, with helping him develop his business mindset and see the bigger picture for life after football.

Through his time at Dordt, McCoy says his growth hasn't been limited to athletics.

"My faith has changed a lot," he said. "At first I was focused on football and earning a spot. But over time, I realized there's purpose behind what I do — that I can serve others through football and in the classroom. That perspective has changed everything."

Now, as McCoy prepares to graduate in December after just seven semesters, he's ready for the next step. He recently accepted a position with Logic Ag Marketing as a commodity broker, managing farmers' risk in the markets.

"I interned there this summer and was blessed to get a job offer," he said. "It's a great fit, and I'm excited to start in January."

The kid from Galva who once thought he'd leave Iowa found faith, football, and friendship intersected in lasting ways.

"I'm really thankful for Dordt," McCoy said. "It's changed who I am. I wouldn't trade this experience for anything."