Leaving the field, but staying the course: Jacob’s story

Growing up in Renton, Jacob relied on his mom and grandparents for stability and guidance. College wasn’t always his initial goal, but once it started to look like a reality, getting there and staying there wouldn’t be without its twists and turns. Jacob’s strong circle of support helped him live through his physical and mental hardships and continue his college career.

“It wasn’t until I was in about 8th grade when I thought college was a possibility,” remembers Jacob. “I started following NFL athletes and where they went to college. I always wanted to be the smart NFL player.”

His grandfather’s encouraging voice throughout Jacob’s life and football practice opened the door for Jacob to start thinking about attending college. His dedication to sport taught Jacob about determination and perseverance through adversity; and it was these lessons that kept him moving forward when roadblocks got in his way.

“Once I have my eyes set on something,” reflects Jacob. “I need to do everything in my power to go get it.”

Unforeseen obstacles

At Kentridge High School in Kent, Jacob was an acclaimed student-athlete. In his junior year, he was awarded Top Kentridge Way Student of the Year. In his senior year, he received 1st team all-state honors, was named Lineman of The Year in his league and was listed as a top 100 player in The Seattle Times. Going into his senior year, his college prospects were immensely promising. However, during the 5th game as a high school senior, he sustained a knee injury that ended his season much sooner than anticipated.

Even though Jacob was working his way back to the field with intense physical therapy sessions, coaches and recruiters stopped calling. His college career was suddenly in doubt. He continued rehabilitating his knee and learning a lot about the field of physical therapy.

When two schools remained as options, Jacob decided on Central Washington University. It was more affordable and closer to home—he had been awarded CSF’s Leadership 1000 Scholarship and could see family more often; the football program was top notch—approved by his grandfather who had done the research; and the coaches were supportive—despite his previous injury. All systems go. Jacob’s path had been cleared, and he was ready to start his freshman year.

Jacob lived and breathed football, so when he sustained yet another injury to his knee his freshman year—which eventually left him “medically retired”—it was devastating.

“I was at college, but not doing college,” says Jacob. “I was really low.”

Vital college coaching support

Jacob was a CSF Scholar at Kentridge High School, so he knew to reach out to CSF whenever he faced a challenge or needed guidance. Jacob connected with his CSF College Success Coach, Robbie Lang, at Central Washington University.

“Robbie and I talked regularly,” Jacob recalls.

Students facing social and financial barriers too often leave college before completing their degree. In response, CSF recently expanded its coaching staff by 5x.

“CSF Coaches work closely with their students to support personal and academic success in college–and help them stay on track to degree completion,” says Robbie. “From financial issues to accessing basic needs like housing and food, these significant obstacles impact a student’s ability to stay enrolled. Coaches partner with students to help them navigate these challenges when they arise.”

Coaching support for Jacob, and more than 4,000 other CSF Scholars, will continue through this school year thanks to the expansion of college services across the state. CSF’s College Success Coaches work with students to manage stress and emotional distress, host regular workshops on key topics and connect them with resources.

“Being aware of your strengths and weaknesses ahead of time can help you map out a game plan for yourself when going into something that you may struggle with,” states Jacob. “College can be hard at times, and you have to push through.”

From a young age, Jacob knew that he wanted to help others. Whether it was acting as a mentor to his two younger brothers, guiding students in class or being a captain of his football team, helping others brought him joy and leadership opportunities that would serve him well in navigating life.

Inspired by the sports rehabilitation specialists that worked with him over the last few years, Jacob has remained adaptable and committed, and plans to become a physical therapist himself.

“I am going to become a physical therapist because they motivated me,” declares Jacob. “I want to help people, and physical therapy is a way I could do it every day.” 

You can even the playing field for Jacob and students like him. Your gift today will impact students as they persist from term to term and work towards graduation day.