By E.P-Louis –
At 5’7,” Jazz Randall, 19, biology major from West Orange, NJ is an example of some of the outstanding students who attend New Jersey City University. The two-sport star athlete has been nominated to be inducted to join the National Society of Leadership and Success, Sigma Alpha Pi.
The National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) is one of the largest honor societies in the United States. NSLS shapes students into leaders through life changing experiences which range from speaker broadcasts to weekly peer mentoring groups. The NJCU chapter inducts new students each semester based on their academic achievement and leadership potential.
“I didn’t expect to have learned so much from NSLS. Through our live speaker broadcasts, I learned how to become an effective leader and follow my dream,” Randall shared.
Randall plays for the women’s basketball and softball team at NJCU. In the 2013-14 season she scored 59 points, 52 rebounds with 16 assists and 7 steals. She often served as a significant sixth woman who started 8 of 25 games this season.
In basketball, she feels she has to continuously fight for her spot.
“Every day that I went to practice, I worked harder than the day before. My objective is to push harder,” she explained.
In softball, with a pair of RBIs, Randall is a utility player and also plays catcher.
“Leaders talk and motivate others, I push them to play at their best, and it’s more than just winning,” Randall said. “I love playing sports, but my academics come first.”
NJCU Athletic Academic Retention Program (AARP) has helped me manage my time to get my work done.
In 2011, the NJCU athletics department launched NJCU’s AARP, by providing individual study plans to all student-athletes increasing all retention efforts since its inception.
“I never waste an opportunity; I even study on the bus ride to and from the games. I want to become a better ‘me,” Randall disclosed.
Randall’s parents are also very involved in her academic career. Since an adolescent, her parents have instilled in her the importance of a sound education. “My parents are heavy on grades; my mom even e-mails my professors and coaches just to check in on me. I appreciate all their love and support,” she said.
Randall’s great uncle, Sesser Randall Peoples, 63, whom was inducted in the NJCU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1985, is evidence that the apple doesn’t fall to far from the tree. He also played multiple sports, men’s basketball, cross country and track and field from 1959-61. Winning several awards and setting a school record with 32 rebounds against Morgan State University on December 17, 1960.
With discipline, sacrifice, and leadership Randall will continue on the road toward success. In addition to following her dream of playing professional basketball overseas, she also plans to attend the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey to become a physical trainer.