Student Spotlight - Gio Jackson
When Gio Jackson found out he’d been chosen as the Northwest Athletic Conference North Region MVP, he immediately thanked his teammates. The Everett Community College point guard also was named the 2018 NWAC male player of the year and EvCC’s male athlete of the year.
He will continue playing basketball at Shawnee State University in Ohio, where he plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in marketing.
“If I could be here (at EvCC) and play for all four years, I would,” Gio said. “Being here turned me into a better man, turned me into a better person, turned me into a better basketball player.”
Tell me a little bit about yourself.
My name is Giovanni Jackson. I go by Gio. I was born in Tacoma, but I lived the majority of my life in Federal Way. I graduated from Todd Beamer High School in Federal Way. I grew up with a single parent. My mother means the world to me. Without God and her, I wouldn’t be anywhere close to where I am at in life right now.
Why did you choose EvCC?
I chose Everett Community College because this is where I felt most comfortable. Two former basketball players Quadir Williams and Derek Brown played here, and they are like my brothers. We all went to the same high school together. With them playing here and being here for two years before me, I had a feel of what it was. They loved it here, so I knew I would love it, too. I felt most wanted by the coaching staff here at EvCC, so I knew it was the place for me.
What are you studying at EvCC?
I started out studying engineering. But with basketball it was hard to time manage both, so I started taking general classes this spring like business, history and English 102.
What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a student athlete?
Just time management. Adjusting from being at home with parents to being on your own and having to do mostly everything by yourself is tough. You don’t have that one person always making sure you do something.
How have you overcome these challenges? Who has helped you?
I’ve overcame my challenges by just finding something that motivated me. My mom motivates me. My coaches motivated me. Student LIFE motivated me. My teammates motivated me because I didn’t want to let any one of them down.
Tell me about your experience on the EvCC Trojans basketball team.
Man, words can’t explain. It was a roller coaster. So many great times that I will never forget. I wouldn’t have wanted to play for any other team, for any other coaching staff. If I could be here and play for all four years, I would. I love it. We are all one big family forever. Being here turned me into a better man, turned me into a better person, turned me into a better basketball player.
What do you plan to do next?
My plan next is to attend Shawnee State University in Portsmouth, Ohio. It’s a great school, great coaches, they love me, and I’d love to be a part of their program. I am going to study marketing when I get out there.
Who has helped you succeed at EvCC?
My mother helped me succeed, my coaches helped me succeed. Coach Trautman, Coach Thompson, and Coach Fantini are great guys. They really care about us as individuals on and off the basketball court. I couldn’t give them enough credit for all they have done for me.
Student LIFE helped me succeed. Huge shout out to Richele Blair and Jennifer Rhodes. Whenever I needed them they were there. They brought me on to the Student LIFE team and it was an amazing experience.
Describe the best experience you had at EvCC?
The best experience I have had here at EvCC is just being involved. Being a student, being on the basketball team, and being the Trojan Nation Coordinator really connected me with the school. I got to meet a lot of people, a lot of people knew who I was, and I just like putting smiles on people’s faces. That’s what I loved best.
What advice do you have for new students?
My advice to new students is to get out of your comfort zone. Joining clubs, going to sports games in general, getting involved around the school really helps you succeed because you run into people you can count on and that care for your well-being.
Photos by Derek Walker and Daniel Acosta.