On a warm August afternoon, the natatorium at Biloxi High School was buzzing with the usual energy of a season-opening swim meet. The stands were filled with parents, classmates, and friends, their cheers echoing across the pool. But when Joel “PJ” Burris stepped onto the deck, something changed. The noise grew louder, the smiles wider. Everyone leaned forward, waiting to watch him take the water.
Joel didn’t disappoint.
With every stroke, his face lit up with a grin as wide as the pool itself. Teammates lined the edge, clapping and shouting encouragement, while fans from both sides joined in. Even as his pace slowed near the end of the race, Joel’s smile never faded. By the time he touched the wall, the entire natatorium felt different, charged with joy, community, and something bigger than competition.
“I think everybody who was in there that day felt it,” said Biloxi coach Christine Laird, now in her eighth year at Biloxi. “Joel just has this determination about him, and he makes everyone around him better. He reminds us why we love sports in the first place.”
For Joel, swimming is more than a sport, it’s liberation. The water offers freedom, a space where he can express himself, gain confidence, and connect with his teammates. Every practice, every race, every smile becomes a small celebration of what’s possible when passion overcomes challenge.
His teammates feed off that energy. They cheer louder, train harder, and lift one another higher. What began as a simple swim meet moment has become something more: a reminder that joy knows no boundaries, and that inclusivity isn’t just a concept, it’s something you can feel when you’re standing poolside watching Joel swim.
“Honestly, he inspires me,” said one teammate. “When Joel’s in the pool, you can’t help but cheer for him. He makes it fun for all of us, and he reminds me not to take this for granted.”
That family atmosphere stretches beyond Biloxi. Joel’s presence has turned swim meets into celebrations of resilience, proving that sports aren’t only about times on a clock or points on a board. Sometimes, they’re about the moments that leave you smiling long after the water has settled.
And for anyone who’s been lucky enough to watch Joel “PJ” Burris swim, that smile is unforgettable.
