Tri-State football player with passion for helping others gets surprise

CINCINNATI (WXIX) - A Tri-State football player got the surprise of a lifetime during this week’s signing day.

Miami Valley Christian Academy quarterback Ian Dooley had his choices.

But it was one choice he made to befriend a co-worker that changed the course of his senior football season and his life.

“When I met the guy working, I asked him how he was doing, I got his number,” Dooley explained. “I found out he struggled with suicidal thoughts and depression. I remember just talking to him for months.”

Dooley said he prayed for his new friend.

He tried to stay connected with him, but then he got the call that changed everything.

His friend took his own life.

It’s a burden Dooley played with during his senior football season at MVCA. It’s a burden that led Dooley to pass on football and instead pursue psychology and ministry.

“God put psychology on my mind,” Dooley said. “I helped around five people. God confirmed it I was supposed to go into psychology.”

Dooley couldn’t picture a life without offering a helping hand to others.

On signing day, it was Dooley who was the recipient of others’ help.

He was presented with a $5,000 scholarship from City Gospel Mission. A scholarship that he was not expecting.

Dooley’s pursuit to live the good life hasn’t been easy.

His dad isn’t in the picture. His mom battles addiction.

For his grandma Lisa Sharkey, and his caretaker, the emotion was overwhelming.

“So excited for him and it’s hard to take that all in,” Sharkey said of the moment. “God is good.”

The $5,000 scholarship will help Dooley pursue a doctorate in psychology and ministry.

“It was super emotional,” Dooley said. “The big reason I cried is knowing I wouldn’t have to pay for my college. My grandma still has to support my little brother. We don’t have enough money to feed into it. Getting that was super huge for me.”

Dooley’s goal is to open his own psychology business after getting his doctorate and then begin planting churches as well.

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