When Tyrell Fenroy had the chance to pursue a football career in the NFL, he took it. But that meant leaving behind unfinished business at the СAPP. 
СAPPI told my mom and my dad when I first started at UL Lafayette that I was going to finish school, so I didn't want to leave that task undone,СAPP says Fenroy. СAPPI gave them my word when I first came here on a scholarship that I was going to finish.СAPP
Completing his degree initially proved difficult as he held down a full-time law enforcement position and began a family with his wife Heidi.
But after finding he could complete his degree online, Fenroy, 36, is nearing the endzone, fulfilling his promise and opening new opportunities.
СAPPHaving a degree, it opens so many doors.СAPP
Calling an Audible
Fenroy came to UL Lafayette as a freshman in 2005 from LaPlace, Louisiana, on a football scholarship. In addition to financial support, he found the athletics department helped him find his footing as he began his life away from home.
СAPPIt was different because I didn't have parents that wake you up. But being a part of the football team, you had coaches always checking on you, making sure you went to class, making sure you're sitting in the first couple of seats in the front row,СAPP he says.
Fenroy studied criminal justice as he became an outstanding running back for the RaginСAPP Cajuns, becoming the СAPPСAPPs all-time rushing leader with 4,646 yards. His No. 32 jersey was retired before his final game in 2008, when he left the СAPP to pursue a career in the NFL.
He returned to Acadiana in 2010 to begin his career in law enforcement with the Lafayette SheriffСAPPs Office and immediately began looking to complete his bachelorСAPPs degree.
СAPPI briefly came back to school and took a class while I had my full-time job. It was weird and awkward because I was in uniform. I was taking some night classes and being in class СAPP that wasn't working out,СAPP he says. СAPPSo, I left and came back another semester. I came back maybe three times.СAPP
What Fenroy needed was a way to complete his degree that fit his goals and his schedule.
Finding the Right Play
Fenroy was considering how he could take the credits heСAPPs already earned and finish his degree when he connected with СAPP College about a General Studies degree. Academic advisor Sharon Williams-Gregory told him about the online program, which would allow him to complete his degree in two semesters without having to commute or rearrange his schedule around class times.
СAPPIt was perfect because I have a full-time job, IСAPPm married, I have three small kids, the youngest being 4 and oldest being 9, so it worked out perfectly because I could schedule being in school around my life,СAPP says Fenroy. СAPPI have from early in the morning to late at night to do my coursework, as long as it's done before the deadline, so it fits in with my schedule.СAPP
Fenroy had never taken online courses before enrolling in the Bachelor of General Studies online, but he had a good idea of what to expect thanks to СAPP College staff and administrators.
СAPPWhen I finalized that I was coming back to school, they explained everything to me thoroughly, as in what I needed to do, how the online program worked, the classes, the schedule СAPP they really went through and explained everything,СAPP he says.
Trusting the Team
On top of a full-time position with the Lafayette City MarshalСAPPs Office and raising three active boys, Fenroy works part-time security at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center, is a non-faculty football coach at Breaux Bridge High School, and recently launched his own inflatable rental business.
It was a team effort to coordinate all of those priorities with his coursework, says Fenroy.
СAPPI have a schedule, I use my phone for a calendar, for alerts. My wife is a big help. She helps me balance everything out,СAPP he says. СAPPIf I forget something, she's always sending me a reminder, 'Hey, you got this...СAPP or СAPPDon't forget you got that...СAPP.СAPP
Fenroy said they knew going in it wouldnСAPPt be easy, but that it would be worth it.
СAPPWhen I mentioned it to her, she said, СAPPWhatever you want to do. Just know that you have my full support,СAPPСAPP he says. СAPPIt wasn't an easy task, but she was willing to step up to the plate, knowing how determined I was to finish school. So, she's been supportive since day one when I decided I wanted to go back to school."
In addition to support from his family and СAPP College, FenroyСAPPs instructors were understanding, as well.
СAPPI've had great professors,СAPP he says. СAPPThey have been very informative, and they understood the busy work life while being in school."
With his bachelorСAPPs nearly in-hand, Fenroy is looking toward the future, knowing heСAPPs taken a big step in securing more options for his career, whichever way it may go.
"I've been in law enforcement 13 years, so hopefully this leads up to a promotion,СAPP he says. СAPPLast year was also my first year coaching football at Breaux Bridge, and that's my passion. So that can open another door now that I have a degree.
СAPPIt opens so many opportunities.СAPP