Whitewater Sophomore Overcomes Loss and Finds Strength on the Football Field

Whitewater High School sophomore Tristan Carden has already faced more challenges in life than many adults, but he’s channeling his story of survival and loss into determination on the football field.

Born on Christmas Day in 2009, Tristan entered the world two months premature, weighing just over two pounds. His father, John Carden, recalls doctors giving his newborn son only a 20% chance of surviving the night after a serious intestinal infection. “They didn’t even know if he was going to live through the night,” John said. “We prayed really hard.”

Tristan made it through, underwent emergency surgery at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston, and spent nearly two months in the hospital before finally going home near his original due date. “He is our Christmas miracle,” John said.

Facing another battle

Life brought another test years later when Tristan’s mother was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer in 2019. Despite aggressive treatment, she passed away in April 2022 at age 42, leaving John to raise Tristan as a single parent.

“Obviously it’s been a lot harder,” Tristan said. “I spend a lot of days thinking about what could have been, but I have great friends, coaches, and teammates around me who inspire me to be the best person and player I can be. I play for the glory of God and to honor my mom.”

A place on the team

This fall marks Tristan’s first season with Whitewater after previously playing for schools in Jackson County and Gwinnett County. As a long snapper—a specialized position for punts and kicks—he has already taken the field for both varsity and junior varsity games.

“He’s got a great work ethic and he’s just a great kid to have in the program,” head coach Chad Frazier said.

For Tristan, the position may not come with the spotlight of a quarterback or wide receiver, but it offers consistency and the chance to make an impact. “It’s a demanding job, but it gets me on the field,” he said. “I get hyped up when I make a good snap.”

Building for the future

Now living in Fayetteville near extended family, the Cardens say the move has provided stability during a time of change. John works long days at a manufacturing company, relying on his parents’ support so Tristan can focus on school and sports.

The sophomore has big plans for what comes next. “I try to keep a high GPA because I have big dreams of going to college, studying business, and playing football,” he said. His dream school: the University of Georgia.

More than football

While football is front and center this year, Tristan has also tried other sports, including lacrosse. Beyond athletics, he hopes his story sends a message. “No matter the obstacles you go through in life, you can still find a way to persevere,” he said. “And Jesus, of course.”

For Whitewater fans, Friday nights may be about touchdowns and victories. For Tristan Carden, every snap is also a tribute—to faith, to family, and to the mother whose memory pushes him forward.