COLUMBIA, Ky. -- Students at John Adair Intermediate School had heard for weeks from their teachers about the importance of the upcoming Kentucky Core Content Test. But sometimes it takes a different twist to motivate young minds.

Enter Chris Williams, a national-champion soccer player from Lindsey Wilson College. Williams sang "Sweet Home Alabama" to the students while playing his guitar and also bounced soccer balls off his head to teach the students an important lesson.

Williams' message to the John Adair students was about the amount work he invested on the field and in the classroom in order to be able to do both of those things so well.

"Whether it's becoming a good soccer player, learning to play guitar or doing well on a test, I hoped to show the kids it all goes back to the hard work you're willing to put in," Williams said.

John Adair Family Resource Center Director Paula Garrison contacted Lindsey Wilson to find a student-athlete to help prepare the children to take the Kentucky Core Content Test, a statewide test used to measure schools. LWC Director of Civic Engagement and Student Leadership Amy Thompson-Wells knew instantly who she wanted to send.

"Chris, being a musician, soccer player and great student, is a fantastic role model and inspiration to young kids," Thompson-Wells said. "He loved playing guitar, talking to the kids and showing off soccer tricks, and told us anytime we'd like him to go again, he was ready for it."

Garrison said the determination Williams discussed left a lasting impression on the students.

"Chris motivated the students by showing how he is determined to be a great soccer player and musician," Garrison said. "Amy explained to the students how Chris has to practice and use concentration to reach his goals, just like students have to work hard in class and be dedicated to doing their best on the test to show what they have learned."

As part of her job, Thompson-Wells places Lindsey Wilson student-athletes in volunteer settings throughout Columbia-Adair County. A student-athlete with Williams' background and ability is usually a sure bet to inspire kids.

"The schools like our athletes to come help the children prepare for testing," Thompson-Wells said. "With Chris being a top soccer player and musician, he is someone who can inspire the kids and be a role model for his work ethic."

Williams said that being a role model is very humbling and rewarding.

"I was overwhelmed when I was asked to go to the school," he said.

"Being a role model to anyone is overwhelming, no matter the age or status."

Being an NAIA Champions of Character institution gives the college's leaders pride in sending LWC student-athletes into the community. In addition to schools, LWC student-athletes also volunteer at nursing homes, a juvenile detention center and the local animal shelter.

"Going out into the community shows what kind of student-athletes we produce at Lindsey Wilson," Thompson-Wells said. "They can show kids that to be successful you have to work hard and be dedicated."

Williams, who has two years left at Lindsey Wilson to earn his degree, hopes to make additional visits to local schools.

Williams is also a leader on the field. He was named the 2009 NAIA National Soccer Championship's Most Valuable Player after leading the Blue Raiders to the program's eighth national championship.

Williams will spend the summer playing for the Baton Rouge (La.) Capitals of the Premier Development League to make sure he is ready for the 2010 collegiate season.

And when he comes back in the fall, a call to return to John Adair will likely come very soon.

"We appreciate Chris taking the time to come to John Adair," Garrison said. "Chris' talents helped the students to be focused during testing and to work toward their goals for the future."