Why Us?

---

Some of the greatest athletes in history such as Aaron Rodgers, Jimmy Butler, Bryce Harper, Albert Pujols, and Ben Wallace once took the junior college route. Yet many people are unaware of this part of their journey.

For me, the JUCO path began in high school. My junior baseball season was cut short by the pandemic, and like so many athletes around the world, I was left uncertain but hopeful. One of my coaches suggested junior college as the best option: a place where I could sharpen my skills, face strong competition, and keep my dream alive.

Those two years of junior college baseball were some of the most formative of my life. From being in the middle of nowhere Illinois, with no cafeteria and endless eight-hour van rides, to 6 a.m. lifts and long days at the field, it built discipline. Even the simplest things, like a home-cooked meal or time with friends, became blessings that fueled gratitude.

Unlike NCAA athletes, we didn’t have state-of-the-art facilities, luxury housing, or team buses. But what we did have was competition full of intensity and near Division I level talent. Every single day was an opportunity to earn your spot or defend it. It was do-or-die, and that environment forged toughness like nothing else.

That’s what JUCO represents: grit. And that’s why we’re here, to give this community the recognition it deserves and to give back to the place that gave us our chance.

Social Impact: We want to support athletes to achieve their dreams that align with societal goals of equity and opportunity. Also adding an emphasis on improving athletes' social determinants of health and education.