Preparation for a Purpose
Alumnus Antwain Flowers inspires a new generation of student-athletes in Delaware
Summer camps remain one of Antwain Flowers’ fondest childhood memories.
“I can still remember the teachers and counselors who poured into me — the ones who saw potential in me before I fully saw it in myself,” said Flowers, who graduated from the College of Education and Human Development’s (CEHD) human services program in 2005. “They didn’t just supervise, they inspired. They created spaces where I felt safe, challenged and valued.”
Now, as director of youth development and the Above Xpectations track team at West End Neighborhood House in Wilmington, Flowers is inspiring and mentoring a new generation of young people in his hometown.
Beyond the classroom walls
When Flowers began his coursework as a UD undergraduate, he wasn’t exactly sure what career path he would follow. But he knew that he wanted to support young people, just as his teachers and camp counselors had supported him. This desire to serve his community led him to CEHD.
“As I grew, I realized I wanted to make an impact beyond the classroom walls,” Flowers said. “I wanted to help shape environments, programs and opportunities that support the whole child — academically, socially and emotionally.”
In his CEHD coursework, Flowers found a strong commitment to community engagement. In fact, one of his favorite UD memories was completing a community change project, which challenged him to identify a real problem in his community or on campus and develop a solution.
Change doesn’t just happen — it’s built by people willing to step up and create it.
— Antwain Flowers, Class of 2005
Flowers chose to examine the dress code policies of businesses close to UD’s Newark campus. After his evaluation, he advocated for policy changes that ensured that dress codes were inclusive and did not target individuals based on age, gender, ethnicity, race, beliefs or personal preferences.
“We had to listen, research, collaborate and, most importantly, act,” Flowers said. “It was engaging, eye-opening and, honestly, inspiring. That project planted a seed in me. It helped me realize that change doesn’t just happen — it’s built by people willing to step up and create it.”
The project also helped Flowers develop his own leadership philosophy, which he brings to the West End Neighborhood House, where he serves as director of youth development and leads a range of educational, recreational and sports activities for youth ages five to 18.
“Looking back, I can see how that experience with my community change project shaped the way I lead today,” Flowers said. “The idea that if you see a need, you don’t wait for someone else — you organize, you strategize and you build something better. That mindset definitely followed me into my work at West End and with Above Xpectations.”
Champs, on and off the track
West End Neighborhood House’s programs include academic enrichment activities, homework assistance, drug and alcohol prevention, summer camps and more. All work to build young people’s self esteem, integrity and character while preventing risky adolescent behaviors.
Flowers’ experiences as a UD student-athlete also enhance his work at the Wilmington nonprofit. In 2022, he led the Above Xpectations track and field team to the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) National Championship.
“Being part of UD’s track and field team was a huge part of my college experience,” Flowers said. “Track gave me discipline, resilience and a sense of family. Balancing academics and athletics taught me how to manage pressure and stay focused — lessons I still use every day.”
Flowers instilled the same lessons in his Above Xpectations team, which not only participated in the national championship, but won.
“Competing against nearly 500 teams in Florida — including international programs — and coming out on top was something we never could have scripted,” Flowers said. “It was surreal. One of those moments where you pause and think, ‘Did that really just happen?’”
But what makes that championship even more meaningful for Flowers is how he and the team got there — literally.
“We didn’t fly to Florida. We drove vans from Wilmington to Orlando, with snacks, laughter, music and a few ‘Are we there yet?’ moments,” Flowers recalled. “Our program has always faced financial barriers, and we’ve had to make sacrifices to make sure more youth have access. That’s just who we are. If it means driving instead of flying so another child can participate, we’re driving.”
Flowers shows the same steadfast commitment to this year’s team, which continues to travel to meets all over the country.
His athletes describe him as supportive and encouraging, dedicated to their success on and off the field.
“As a coach, he’s going to push you because he wants you to do it, but he is very patient with you, no matter what,” said Robert Evans, a member of the 2022 championship team, a current athlete and an intern at West End Neighborhood House. “If he knows you can’t do something, he’s not going to make you. He just wants whatever you can give at that time. He always wants the best from you, no matter what.”
In addition to supporting athletes in competition, Flowers and his colleagues at the West End Neighborhood House also provide tutoring, college readiness, SAT prep and prevention services.
“As powerful as that national title was, I’m just as proud — if not more — of our 100% high school graduation rate,” Flowers said. “Every single participant graduates. And a high percentage go on to take the next academic step beyond high school. That’s the real championship to me.”
For Flowers, there is no greater privilege than “showing up — meeting young people where they are and walking with them toward where they want to be.” He is grateful to serve the community in this way at West End Neighborhood House and thankful for the UD preparation that led him there.
“When I look back at that season of my life at UD, I’m grateful,” Flowers said. “It wasn’t just preparation for a career. It was preparation for a purpose.”
To learn more about CEHD’s bachelor’s program in human services, visit the program webpage.
Article by Jessica Henderson. Photos by Evan Krape.