For Dordt senior offensive lineman Joel Akers, the anticipation of game day never fades. Even after four years in a Defender uniform, he says the excitement still feels fresh.

Full Interview | Defender Discussions With Joel Akers 

"During the spring you kind of feel like, man, I'm just ready to play a game," Akers said. "But once the season rolls around, it feels like the end of last year was just yesterday. A lot of the guys are excited, and I'm just excited to get back to competition."

That sense of readiness and gratitude has defined Akers' journey from his hometown of Winterset, Iowa, to Sioux Center. His path to Dordt wasn't one he originally envisioned.

"Honestly, before recruitment I didn't know much about Dordt," he admitted. "Once the coaches reached out, I came on a visit, and that's when I really fell in love with the place. The community was welcoming, the coaches were awesome, and the professors I met with really cared about who you were."

That campus visit—now more than four years ago—left a lasting impression. Akers recalls how meeting with faculty in the math and education departments confirmed Dordt as the right place. "They were really friendly and genuine. You could tell they cared about me beyond just football. That stood out compared to other schools I visited."

At Winterset High School, Akers played left tackle and was part of a historic senior season that saw the Huskies reach the state semifinals for the first time. College football was always a dream, though at times he doubted whether he had the size or ability to compete at the next level.

"When I got the opportunity and started talking with coaches, I knew it was something I wanted to do," he said.

That dream became reality when he stepped on Dordt's campus as a freshman. Like many first-year players, Akers spent his first season on the scout team, learning the speed and intensity of college football.

"Fall camp hit hard—two-a-days, meetings, and a much higher level of competition," he said. "I was going against guys like Sam Andrews and Jessa Blakey on defense. Getting hit every play wasn't easy, but it helped me grow fast."

Spring football provided another chance to develop. "You get more reps, more time with the playbook, and more opportunities to be in front of the coaches. That was huge for me."

While Akers has grown as a player, his academic path has been equally steady. He's majoring in secondary education with a math emphasis and has added a middle school STEM endorsement.

"From the start I knew I wanted to do education," he said. "During my time at Dordt, I've spent hours in classrooms from first grade through middle school. I was out of my comfort zone at times, but I really fell in love with the students. That's why I added the STEM endorsement—I could see myself teaching at the middle school level."

This spring, Akers will begin student teaching, the next step toward life after Dordt. "It'll help me be more well-rounded and prepared to teach different grades. I'm excited for that experience."

As Akers reflects on his Dordt journey, he says the biggest change has been personal growth.

"In high school I was a lot more shy," he admitted. "Even on my campus visit, I barely said a word. Freshman year I was quiet at practice and didn't talk much. Over the years, I've grown into more of a leader—cheering for guys, motivating teammates, sitting with different people at lunch. I've learned to step outside my comfort zone and build relationships."

Now entering his final season, Akers knows the end of his playing career is on the horizon, and that reality brings mixed emotions.

"There's excitement, but also a little sadness knowing it's my last year," he said. "My body feels the wear and tear of four seasons, but I'm grateful for the chance to play with these guys one more time. I've grown close to the seniors in my class, and it's been a blessing to share this journey together."

From a quiet freshman on scout team to a senior leader preparing for student teaching, Akers' story reflects what Dordt football is all about—faithful growth, both on the field and off.

"I'm just really excited to make the most of this year," he said. "It's been a great experience."