Born and raised in Brazoria, TX, Kevin Garrett overcame health challenges as a child to become a track and field star and earn a football scholarship at Southern Methodist University. In 2003, Garrett ran the fastest 40-yard dash at the National Football League combine in just 4.31 seconds. He was subsequently drafted into the NFL where he played for the St. Louis Rams, the Houston Texans, and the Carolina Panthers. Garrett went on to play for NFL Europa and then finished his career in the Canadian Football League.
After retiring from football, Garrett moved back to Brazoria to help his siblings care for their ailing parents. After their passing, Garrett and his family moved to Dripping Springs six years ago.
“Dripping Springs is perfect for young families with kids. It has a great school district, beautiful Hill Country views, and Austin is easily accessible,” he says.
His wife, Carly Garrett, is the owner of Hill Country Hands, an eco-friendly cleaning service. She is also a personal trainer specializing in fitness for female clients. Kevin’s oldest daughter, Trinity, is 12 years old and lives in Canada with her mom. The Garretts also have three children — Kaiden, 8, who plays soccer; Carter, 6, who is a performer; and Kolt, nearly 18 months, who the Garretts describe as full of joy.
Kevin works as a senior energy consultant for SunPower Corporation and is also an entrepreneur. Known as a “speed trainer,” he started his own fitness company called Swift Sessions, which helps young athletes work on their strength, conditioning, and agility. He is also the owner of Austin Sprint Club, a track and field club for youth and master athletes, and A+ Multimedia Designs, a multimedia company specializing in marketing, web design, and videography.
He also loves to write. Kevin has written two books. While he encourages his children to embrace their heritage and love who they are, he also wants them to understand that being different is okay. Scoops of Life is a children’s book that playfully touches on diversity and self-love through the universal love of ice cream. “Everybody's favorite type of ice cream is different, but ice cream, in general, is amazing, and that’s the same with people,” says Garrett. “We're all different, but we’re all equal and awesome inside.”
Keep Pressing is a motivational book that encourages individuals who may doubt themselves. Garrett feels that sometimes a little bit of encouragement can go a long way. He was fortunate to have had a great support system that encouraged him to be anything he wanted to be despite all the medical setbacks he faced.
“Whenever someone or something tries to knock you down, you’ve got to keep going,” says Kevin. “You have to persevere.”
“Whenever someone or something tries to knock you down, you’ve got to keep going. You have to persevere.”