Kenny O'Banner, the basketball boy wonder, was a breakout athlete at Jackson State University. His ability on the court as a college phenom earned him a place in the JSU Sports Hall of Fame– and it also led to career-ending injuries before his chance to pursue basketball professionally.

Kenny is currently the CEO and Founder of Athletes With Degrees, emphasizing the importance of athletes securing an academic plan for their futures beyond the court. He sits on the board of the JSU Association of Alumni Athletes and received an MBA in Business Administration.

Tamika Catchings stands out as a former student-athlete whose remarkable career in basketball is paralleled by her academic achievements. A dynamic force on the court, Catchings led the University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers to an NCAA championship in 1998 and garnered multiple All-American honors throughout her collegiate career.

Off the court, Catchings was equally impressive, earning a bachelors and masters degree in Sports Management from the University of Tennessee College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (CEHHS). Her commitment to excellence extended beyond her university years as she transitioned to a stellar professional career in the WNBA, where she earned MVP honors, Olympic titles, and numerous accolades.

Tamika Catchings exemplifies the balance of athletic prowess and academic dedication, serving as an inspiration for future generations of student-athletes – particularly women – striving for greatness in both their sports and educational pursuits.

Dawn Staley is a celebrated basketball player and coach. She was a standout at the University of Virginia, where she earned her degree in Rhetoric and Communication Studies.

John Urschel is a former NFL player who is also known for his academic achievements. He graduated from Penn State with a degree in Mathematics and is pursuing a Ph.D. at MIT.

The tennis champion earned an associate degree in Fashion Design from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale in 2007, graduating with Cum Laude honors.

The former San Antonio Spurs forward graduated with honors from Wake Forest University with a degree in Psychology.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, Jordan majored in Cultural Geography at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Wilma Rudolph overcame polio to become a three-time gold medalist in the 1960 Olympics. She earned her degree in Education from Tennessee State University, where she was a member of the track and field team.

Known as “The Admiral,” Robinson is a former San Antonio Spurs center who graduated from the United States Naval Academy with a degree in Mathematics.

Cheryl Miller is one of the greatest women’s basketball players of all time. She led USC to two NCAA titles and won numerous individual awards. Miller graduated with a degree in Communications.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, Walter Payton played for the Chicago Bears from 1975 to 1987. He earned his degree in Communications from Jackson State University, where he also had a stellar college football career. Known for his versatility and resilience on the field, Payton was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993. His legacy extends beyond football, with numerous charitable contributions and the establishment of the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in the NFL.

Steph "Chef" Curry, often referred to as the greatest shooter in NBA history, returned to complete his degree in Communications from Davidson College in 2022, 13 years after leaving to enter the NBA draft. Curry initially attended Davidson from 2006 to 2009, where he led the Wildcats to the NCAA Tournament’s Elite Eight in 2008. Although he left college early to pursue his professional basketball career, Curry fulfilled a promise to his mother by finishing his degree. Alongside his on-court achievements, including multiple NBA championships with the Golden State Warriors, Curry is known for his philanthropy and commitment to education.

Also known as “Flo Jo,” an iconic track and field athlete known for her speed and style. She graduated from UCLA with a degree in Psychology.

The former UCLA and NBA star earned a degree in History from UCLA. He later co-authored the book “Brother in Arms: The Epic Story of the 761st Tank Battalion, WWII’s Forgotten Heroes."

Lisa Leslie is a Hall of Fame WNBA player known for her time with the Los Angeles Sparks. She graduated from USC with a degree in Communications and later earned an MBA from the University of Phoenix.

O’Neal earned a degree in General Studies from Louisiana State University in 2000, keeping a promise he made to his mother. He also earned a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.

The former NBA player returned to the University of North Carolina three years after leaving for the NBA to receive his degree in African-American Studies. He even attended his college graduation hours before a playoff game!