Copyright NBC10 Boston
Our hometown MVP this week is a young man from Worcester, Massachusetts, who graduated from Assumption University with a business management degree and inspires his players as assistant coach for the Littleton High School football team. Tim Tran is also bilingual and has quite a way with words, which seems to be his superpower at his current job. "The speeches I bring to the players -- it's what keeps them fueled and ready to go," Tran said. Head Coach Justin Leonard interviewed Tran in the spring for an assistant coach position, and knew immediately he would be a great fit. "His passion for the game shone through," Leonard said. Tran is on the Autism spectrum. "Even though it feels hard at times, I always think there's going to be someone who wants to help you," Tran said. "And if you are willing to help yourself, you're willing to become anything you want to be." Now this team only has 25 players on the roster. But even with that challenge against opponents, Tran always finds a way to motivate. "It's always a quote," he explained. "And it always includes: Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt." Tran's words resonate with the players. "He makes me think you can do anything," one player said. At their homecoming game, it was a victory speech. Even though Tran has only been with the team for a few months, his impact with each player has been enormous. "I also suffer from a disability, I have ADHD," King Proulx said. "Like, it's really, really bad. I have trouble focusing. I'm not trying to compare anything, but... he makes me feel really good." "Never have I ever seen a team like this," Tran said. "We are still here together. And what keeps us here is the heart we have for football. And for each other."
