“Zakai Zeigler Donates $6.8 Million to Establish Shelter for Tennessee Vols Youth”

“Zakai Zeigler Donates $6.8 Million to Establish Shelter for Tennessee Vols Youth”

Zakai Zeigler Donates $6.8 Million to Launch Shelter for Tennessee Vols Youth: A Legacy Beyond the Court

Knoxville, TN – April 19, 2025

In an extraordinary act of generosity and commitment to his community, former Tennessee Volunteers basketball standout Zakai Zeigler has announced a $6.8 million personal donation to fund the creation of a youth shelter and support center for underprivileged and at-risk children affiliated with the Tennessee Vols family.

The facility, to be named The Zeigler Center for Youth Empowerment, is scheduled to open in late 2026 and will provide housing, educational support, mentorship, and wellness resources for young people connected to the Volunteers program.

The announcement, made during an emotional press conference held at Thompson-Boling Arena, was met with a standing ovation from community leaders, student-athletes, coaches, and fans.

Zeigler, 23, spoke passionately about the inspiration behind the initiative, drawing from his own experiences with adversity and the power of perseverance.“This is about more than basketball,” Zeigler said, fighting back tears. “This is about giving young people a chance, the same chance I was given.

I want to build something that lasts—something that makes a real difference in the lives of kids who need it most.”

From Underdog to Trailblazer

Zakai Zeigler’s journey to this moment has been nothing short of inspirational.

A native of Long Island, New York, Zeigler arrived at Tennessee as an undersized but gritty point guard with something to prove.

Over the course of his collegiate career (2021–2025), he became one of the most beloved figures in Tennessee basketball history.

Despite facing early challenges—including the destruction of his family’s home in a 2022 fire—Zeigler continued to shine on the court, earning All-SEC honors and emerging as a team leader and fan favorite.

His resilience and heart won over not just teammates and coaches, but an entire fanbase.

After completing his senior season and briefly playing professionally overseas, Zeigler returned to Knoxville with a vision that transcended sports.

His donation marks one of the largest athlete-led philanthropic efforts in University of Tennessee history.

Building a Safe Haven

The Zeigler Center for Youth Empowerment will be built on land near the UT campus and will serve a variety of functions.

The primary focus will be on youth in need—particularly those from unstable or economically disadvantaged backgrounds who are connected in some way to the Tennessee athletic community.

That includes younger siblings of student-athletes, local prospects, children of university staff, and members of Knoxville’s broader youth sports networks.

The facility will include:

Emergency and transitional housing for up to 40 residents at a time.

Academic tutoring and college prep services.

Mental health and counseling support.

Career readiness programs, including mentorship from former Vols athletes and professionals.

Athletic training spaces to encourage physical activity and healthy lifestyles.

Construction is expected to begin early next year. Zeigler has already assembled a board of advisors that includes university officials, nonprofit experts, and former athletes.

> “This shelter won’t just be a place to sleep,” Zeigler said. “It’ll be a place to dream.”

The Response: A Community Inspired

The reaction to Zeigler’s donation has been overwhelming.

Tennessee men’s basketball head coach Rick Barnes called the moment one of the proudest of his coaching career.“Zakai has always had a heart for others,” Barnes said.

“He’s overcome so much and never made it about himself. Now he’s giving back in a way that will change lives for decades. That’s true leadership.”

University Chancellor Donde Plowman echoed the sentiment, stating:

> “This is what the Volunteer spirit is all about. Zakai Zeigler represents the very best of our student-athletes—not just in how he played, but in how he leads with compassion and purpose.”

Teammates and fans took to social media to offer praise, with hashtags like #ZeiglerLegacy and #ForTheYouth trending regionally on X (formerly Twitter).

Former Vols across sports, including football, baseball, and women’s basketball, pledged to support the initiative through donations and volunteering.

Giving Back with Purpose

This isn’t the first time Zeigler has made a charitable impact. During his college years, fans raised funds to help his family recover from the house fire, and he has since paid it forward many times.

In 2023, he helped launch a summer camp for inner-city youth and frequently visited Knoxville schools to speak about education, hard work, and self-belief.

Still, this latest endeavor represents a leap into long-term, institutional philanthropy—a sign of Zeigler’s evolving vision as not just a former athlete, but a community builder.“People believed in me when I didn’t have much,” Zeigler said. “Now it’s my turn to believe in them.

I don’t want to just help them survive. I want them to thrive.”

The Zeigler Center will operate as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and is expected to work closely with both the University of Tennessee and local government agencies.

Plans are already underway to host annual fundraising events, including a celebrity basketball tournament and community gala.

A Lasting Legacy in Knoxville

For a player who stood just 5’9” and was often underestimated, Zeigler’s impact looms large.

His legacy now extends far beyond game-winning assists or passionate defensive stops—it’s now about lasting change.

Vols superfan and Knoxville resident Claire Harmon summarized the community’s sentiment best“Zakai gave us unforgettable moments on the court. But what he’s doing now? That’s forever.

That’s what Rocky Top is all about.”

As Tennessee athletics continues to evolve in the age of NIL and increasing commercialization, Zeigler’s move serves as a powerful reminder that heart, community, and service remain at the core of the program’s identity.

Final Words

The Zeigler Center for Youth Empowerment is more than a building—it’s a vision, a mission, and a symbol of what one person can do with determination, heart, and a deep love for their community.

Zakai Zeigler may have hung up his jersey, but his greatest assist is still to