Q: Briefly describe your early years in Ohio.

A: I was adopted at age 4. While I loved my childhood, I was that child who gave my parents the most problems. I ran away, fought a lot, was in trouble in school and in my neighborhood. I was sent to a couple of homes for troubled kids, but my parents were always there for me. They taught us right from wrong and to always be thankful for what we had. They always helped other kids in the neighborhood.

Q: Have you ever feared for your life?

A: Yes, a couple of times when growing up I’ve been shot at because of the people I was with. Now I just put it in the hands of God and fear nothing.

Q: Faith plays a big role in your life. Why?

A: Because I came to the conclusion that there is no luck. I had been jumped, shot at, I’d run away in Ohio and been in trouble with the law as a kid. And I’m still here. So there is a God, and he has plans for me.

Q: Do you have a miracle child — someone everyone else gave up on but you?

A: They all are miracles to me, because they all have had challenges and have made it.

Q: What do you say to inspire others?

A: I tell them, “If I can do it, you can do it.”

Q: Do you have any regrets?

A: Not telling my older brother that there was more in life than gangs, drugs and the streets. He could have played basketball and had a chance to go to college. I regret not telling him everyday: “I’m proud that you are my brother. Thanks for being there for me and watching out for me when I moved to San Diego.”

Q: Have you received a thank-you that touched you to the core?

A: Yes, from William Williams, who is now coaching girls’ basketball and training to be a police officer in Vallejo. He played for me from seventh grade through high school and lived with my family. When he become a youth pastor and got his AA degree, he told me, “Coach Jeff, you are my dad, as you have been to many of us. You never made it easy. … Other people told me I would not make it to 21, that I had no chance of going to college or even back to a regular high school. But you always believed in me. No money can repay you, but I will continue to do what you taught me.”

Q: What’s next on your “to-do” list?

A: To continue to make a difference every day, try to save more kids and be a role model. I want kids to understand how important it is to be a positive influence in their community.


