Jahmai Mashack, a Tennessee basketball draftee, writes a letter to Vol supporters.

As I sit down to write this letter, I’m overwhelmed with emotion. There are so many things I want to say, so many moments I want to reflect on, and so many people I need to thank. But more than anything, I want this letter to be an expression of gratitude—to each and every one of you who has supported me, cheered for me, challenged me, and helped me grow during my time as a Tennessee Volunteer.

From the moment I stepped on campus, I knew that the University of Tennessee was special. It wasn’t just the facilities, the coaches, or the opportunity to play in the best conference in the country—it was the people. Vol Nation welcomed me with open arms and made me feel like I was part of something bigger than basketball. I felt it during every game at Thompson-Boling Arena, in the interactions with fans around Knoxville, and in the messages of encouragement I received throughout my journey.

When I first committed to Tennessee, I was a young man filled with hope and dreams. I had goals, I had a vision for my future, and I believed in the development and culture that Coach Barnes and his staff promised me. What I didn’t fully realize at the time was how much I would grow—not just as a player, but as a person. Playing basketball here taught me about resilience, discipline, humility, leadership, and sacrifice. But it was the moments off the court—the bonds with my teammates, the lessons from my coaches, and the support from our community—that shaped me into who I am today.

I’ve been blessed to wear the orange and white jersey, to fight alongside my brothers, and to represent a program that means so much to so many. We’ve had highs and lows, triumphs and heartbreaks. There were buzzer-beaters, tough losses, defensive battles, and unforgettable wins. Every one of those moments was a building block in my journey. And through it all, you—Vol Nation—stood by us.

I want to speak from the heart about what it meant to play in front of you. There is truly nothing like the roar of Thompson-Boling Arena when we’re on a run, the sea of orange in the stands, or the energy you bring night in and night out. There were times when we were down and your voices lifted us. There were times when the odds were against us, and your belief gave us strength. I want you to know that we felt it—every chant, every cheer, every sign, and every hand extended for a high-five. You made us better.

To my coaches—thank you for believing in me even on the days when I struggled to believe in myself. Coach Barnes, your commitment to excellence is unmatched. You challenged me to be more than a basketball player. You demanded accountability, effort, and integrity every single day. There were tough practices, honest conversations, and moments when I had to dig deep. But you always made it clear that you saw something in me—and you pushed me to reach it. Coach Gainey, Coach Clark, Coach Schwartz, and everyone on staff—you invested in me as both a player and a person. Thank you.

To my teammates—you are my brothers for life. We went to war together, sweat together, cried together, and celebrated together. I’ll never forget our locker room moments, the long flights, the hotel film sessions, the jokes, the late-night talks, and the unity we built. We came from different places, different backgrounds, but we formed a bond that can’t be broken. I learned from each of you. I grew alongside you. And no matter where life takes us, I’ll always carry those memories and that brotherhood with me.

To my family—you’ve been my rock from the very beginning. Mom, Dad, siblings, cousins, uncles, aunts—you all played a role in this journey. You sacrificed for me, prayed for me, and celebrated every victory and lifted me through every setback. There’s no way I could have made it here without your unconditional love and guidance. I hope I’ve made you proud.

And to the University of Tennessee—thank you for investing in me, educating me, and giving me a platform to grow. I wasn’t just an athlete here—I was a student, a part of the community, and someone whose voice mattered. I took classes that challenged my perspective, met professors who cared deeply, and made connections that will last a lifetime. The pride I feel in being a Tennessee Volunteer goes far beyond basketball.

Now, as I take the next step in my journey and begin my professional career, I carry all of you with me. I know I represent more than just myself—I represent a university, a fanbase, a family, and a legacy. That’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly.

There were moments when I questioned whether I’d be in this position. Moments when the work felt too heavy, when I doubted if I’d ever reach the next level. But every time I faced adversity, I thought about all the people counting on me—not just to score points, but to lead with character, to show resilience, to live out the values that have been instilled in me.

Draft night was a dream come true. When my name was called, I thought of all the early mornings, the late nights, the conditioning sessions, the extra shots, the weight room hours, the ice baths, and the film study. I thought of the coaches who challenged me, the fans who believed in me, the teammates who trusted me. I thought of Knoxville. I thought of Thompson-Boling Arena. I thought of orange and white.

I want to be clear—this is not goodbye. This is a thank-you. This is a promise that I will never forget where I came from. This is a pledge that I will carry Tennessee with me wherever I go. Whether I’m playing in a packed NBA arena or working through reps in an empty gym, I’ll be representing you.

The foundation that was built here—through hard work, faith, community, and perseverance—is one that will sustain me for the rest of my life. I plan to take all that I’ve learned and apply it every single day. I’m stepping into this new chapter with confidence because of what Tennessee gave me.

There are a few moments that I’ll always hold close:

• That first time I checked into a game wearing the Tennessee jersey. I felt the weight of the tradition, the pride of those who came before me.
• Senior Night, when the emotions hit and I looked around and realized how fast it all went.
• Cutting down nets after big wins, holding trophies, singing Rocky Top with the fans—unforgettable memories.
• Quiet moments of struggle, when I found strength I didn’t know I had. That’s where growth really happened.

These moments shaped me. And while my path now leads me to the professional level, part of my heart will always remain in Knoxville. This place, these people, this program—it’s part of who I am.

To every kid out there dreaming of playing college basketball, I want you to know that it’s possible. But it’s not about talent alone. It’s about work. It’s about being coachable. It’s about doing the right thing when no one is watching. It’s about staying humble, hungry, and focused. Tennessee taught me that, and I hope I can pass it on to the next generation.

To the future Volunteers—wear that jersey with pride. Honor the legacy. Pour everything you have into every practice, every game, every rep. Because one day, you’ll look back and realize these were some of the best days of your life.

As I close this chapter and open a new one, I want to end this letter with the two words that feel the most right:

Thank you.

Thank you for loving me. Thank you for pushing me. Thank you for giving me a home away from home. Thank you for the memories. Thank you for believing in a young man with a dream.

No matter where life takes me, I’ll always be a Vol for Life.

With love, respect, and eternal gratitude