Thousands sign petition to reinstate Varina High student athlete

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — A growing community petition is calling on Henrico County Public Schools to reinstate Darren Williams, a Varina High School senior who was barred from participating in sports over questions about his residency. 

The petition has collected 5,441 signatures in support of Williams, who was ruled ineligible after the district determined he was not living full-time within the Varina zone.

The senior, a three-sport athlete and honor student, had transferred from Henrico High School in May. His family said he made the move after witnessing a stabbing at his former school in December 2024.

Williams played three football games for Varina before district officials flagged discrepancies in his residency. Following multiple appeals, he was denied the chance to continue competing.

His aunt, Brittany Sanderson, who created the petitions, explained her intentions.

“I started the petition so that he could get the chance that he's earned,” Sanderson said. “Nothing has been given to him, and he’s played sports his whole life.”

‘God got me’: Henrico student athlete’s future at risk due to residency dispute

Sanderson described her nephew as a strong student and a dedicated athlete.

“He’s a young kid. He’s a scholar and a great athlete, and he has the best personality. I’m sure he’s probably wondering, why me? Why is this happening to me?,” Sanderson said. 

Sanderson hopes the public response will not only help her nephew, but also prevent other students from experiencing similar setbacks. She also hopes the attention will draw the support of advocacy groups. 

“Everybody should be able to live out their senior year, have fun, do the things they enjoy, he’s been robbed of that,” Sanderson said. “Think about if he was your child and trying to do something great with his future. Why would you want someone to stand in the way of that?”

According to the student’s attorney, the family is pushing for a full hearing to present all available evidence.

A link for the petition can be found here.