Written by In January of 2021 Ryan Smith, the new owner of the Utah Jazz announced that for every Jazz win, they would award a 4-year full ride scholarship to a Utah high school senior to attend a Utah University. They have since awarded 30 scholarships and the Jazz have risen to the top of the NBA standings. While there may not be a direct correlation as to the success of the team and their new initiative, it asks how strong is your “why”? If your “why” directly impacted another person’s livelihood for the better, would you try harder?
We know that sports teach life lessons and can change lives, if you are good enough at a certain sport, it can even pay for your education; but the impact this act of awarding scholarships to members of their community is going to be major. Part of the preferred criteria is the applicant demonstrate financial need as well as being a first-generation college student. To win this scholarship means no extra worries in college. Money is most often our biggest worry in college.
There is going to be a great impact in the Utah community as well. Ryan Smith tweeted “We want the best talent in the world in Utah” so offering students full rides to further their education in the state, will further this mission and serve the community the Jazz play for. Providing opportunity for those who otherwise would not have it, is a noble cause to play for. Head coach Quin Snyder said that “any extra motivation is welcome. I think just in general giving a young man or young woman the opportunity to develop, evolve and embrace education is something that’s incredibly important, and the diversity component benefits everybody.”
As I have previously written, many players and teams have foundations that serve the community they play in, but none at this caliber. This is significant on the part of a professional team, and I think we will all be curious to see how far this motivation to win will carry the Jazz the remainder of this season.
And how many will other teams follow suit…..