Week after week, the student-athletes of Morgan State University continue to excel, not only in competition but also in the classroom and beyond. The 'Beneath the Surface Spotlight' provides a glimpse into the lives of these extraordinary student-athletes, revealing the human stories behind their athletic achievements. These individuals are not only exceptional athletes but also outstanding scholars, leaders, and role models for generations to come. 
 
Xavier Doolin
Wrestling
Class: Redshirt Junior
Hometown: Kansas City, Mo.
Major: Applied Liberal Studies

Transitioning from one university to another can be a daunting experience, but for Xavier Doolin, a redshirt junior and heavyweight wrestler at Morgan State, the move from the University of Northern Colorado to Baltimore has been nothing short of rewarding. Hailing from Kansas City, Missouri, Doolin has been immersed in the sport since the age of four, coached by his father, Adrian, until he turned 18.

Despite competing in the 285-pound heavyweight division, Doolin isn't your typical heavyweight wrestler—he weighs in at 230 pounds, often facing opponents who tip the scales at 260 pounds or more. However, his quickness, speed, and strategic approach to the sport allow him to hold his own against larger competitors. His technical prowess and relentless work ethic have made him a force to be reckoned with.

Doolin's skills were on full display at the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA) Championships, where he battled his way to an impressive fourth-place finish. His performance was even more remarkable considering he surfaced as an alternate in the highly competitive 285-pound weight class. Given the physical demands of the division, stepping in as an alternate and still excelling against top-tier talent speaks volumes about his resilience and adaptability on the mat.

Beyond wrestling, Doolin values the relationships he has built, the lessons he has learned, and the memories he has created at Morgan. His competitive drive fuels his aggressive wrestling style, while his ability to analyze opponents and adapt has made him a formidable force. finish. His performance was even more remarkable considering that, following the NCAA's announcement of the 46 at-large selections for the 2025 Division I Wrestling Championships, Doolin's name surfaced as an alternate in the highly competitive 285-pound weight class

Outside of sports, he enjoys relaxing with family, indulging in his favorite home-cooked meals, and looking forward to new travel adventures. Whether it's reflecting on his biggest challenges, his proudest moments, or his love for the sport, Doolin's story is one of dedication, perseverance, and a constant hunger for growth.

Student Life

• What is your major, and what inspired you to choose it? - Applied Liberal Studies. i have switched my major twice, and now I have found something I am comfortable with.

• What's the best time of year here at Morgan, and why? - Being apart of the team would be the best time of year and just competing with those guys.

• Can you share one of your favorite memories at Morgan? - Watching my teammate Eric [Washington] help us win in our duel last week. 

• What advice would you offer to incoming freshmen? - Stay locked in, your time in college goes by fast. So stay locked in and do everything you are supposed to do.

• How did you feel when you first came to college? I felt good about coming to college I had more freedom. I made some mistakes, but I have grown and learned a lot from those experiences.

  

• How was that transition from the University of Northern Colorado? I was nervous at first, but once i got here the transition was cool. My coaches and teammates made me feel welcomed and I'm loving every moment. 

• What was one of the toughest challenges you faced while being on the wrestling teams?  Learning to move on, you can dwell on your losses. Everyday is a new day and you have to keep moving forward. 

Sports

• What's your favorite move or technique, and what makes it stand out to you?  My quickness and speed, while also taking shots at the opponents. 

• You are one of the vets on the team, can you tell me how your experience has been...  Usually I am a laid back guy, but now I have to step up and show these guys that they can be better then me.

  

• Throughout your career, your father has played a significant role in your training. How has that shaped your development? He's been my coach since I was 4 years old. His support and knowing that I have my dad in my corner is always a plus, along with having is motivation. 

• How do you prepare for opponents, especially in terms of scouting or analysis? I watch a couple of films, and when I do, I  watch their patterns and best attacks. 

• How do you bounce back from tough losses or setbacks in training and competition? Just keep looking forward, you can't dwell on those losses. I am learning and developing each and every day.

  

  What was your first impression of wrestling? My dad brought me to practice every day and I sat on the mat and just watched. Then eventually I started trying to do all the wrestling moves I saw the players doing.  

• What's been the most challenging aspect of your wrestling career so far? The biggest challenge is not making the nationals tournament. I lost the match that could've taken me to nationals in Kansas City, which is my hometown, and I wanted to to go back and win nationals in my hometown.

• Do you prefer to attack aggressively or wait for your opponent to make a mistake? What's your reasoning behind that? I prefer to take an aggressive approach, because I don't give my opponent the chance to strike first. 

• How do you identify and exploit an opponent's weaknesses while minimizing your own vulnerabilities? The patterns. Watching the patterns they make and how they move.

Pop Culture

• What's your go-to social media platform?  Instagram

• Do you have a favorite movie or TV show?  The Last Samurai 

  

• What's your favorite holiday, and what traditions do you enjoy the most?  Thanksgiving and being surrounded with my family

• What's one of your favorite childhood memories? Watching my sister Mackenzie grow up and become the young woman she is today. 

• What's the most interesting place you've visited, and where would you love to visit next?  I've been to the Bahamas and I would like to go to Greece next.

• What's your favorite home-cooked meal? My moms' Lasagna 

• When it comes to fast food, what's your top pick?  Raising Canes

  

Miscellaneous

• What's the story behind your owl tattoo? It's really wisdom; Owls are smart animals and also my favorite, so that's why I have it. 

• What's your walkout song, and what do you play to get hyped before a match? "Give it to You" by DMX

  

• Becoming a state champion in wrestling during your senior year of high school was a huge accomplishment. What did that moment mean to you?  That meant a lot to me, because on that exact day I won 30 years before my father went to the state championship and lost. So I redeemed the family name.

  

• What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?  "Be you" - just know the sport doesn't make you, you make the sport. 

• Do you have a favorite professional sports team?  Baltimore Ravens

• When you're not training, how do you like to spend your free time? I am in my room during my free time, relaxing and unwinding. 

• Is there any athlete whose game you try to model yourself after? LeBron James, because of his mentality. 

• If you could have dinner with any three people, past or present, who would they be? Dave Shultz, Drake, Cael Sanderson

• What were your first impressions of Coach Monday when you met him? It was great and I learned a lot. And my dad actually convinced me to to come here since coach Monday was the reason my dad started playing.

🎙️ Khamani Anderson, MSU Athletics Communications intern contributed to this release.
🎥 Jake Bandoh, MSU Athletics Lead Production intern