Jayden Hackett made a promise to his late mother, Jayne, in 2020—just four days before Thanksgiving—that he would earn a Division I basketball scholarship. This week, that promise became a reality.
Hackett, a former standout at Bay Port High School, signed with Central Michigan University, marking what is believed to be the first Division I scholarship for a boys basketball player from his school. The journey to this moment, however, was anything but straightforward.
After high school, Hackett wasn't recruited by any Division I programs. He took a year off, working at Walmart while he figured out his next steps. His grades didn't always match his talent on the court, and the path forward seemed uncertain. But he never wavered from the promise he made to his mother.
Hackett spent the next two seasons honing his skills at the junior college level—first at Delta College in Michigan, then at Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC). It was there that his game truly took off. Standing 6-foot-6 and playing guard, Hackett dominated during his sophomore season at MATC, earning Region 4 Midwest District Player of the Year honors and becoming just the second player in program history to be named an NJCAA Division II First-Team All-American.
His numbers tell the story: 17.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.3 steals per game, while shooting an impressive 52.2% from the field, 44.3% from beyond the arc and 81.5% from the free-throw line. He scored in double figures in 32 of 36 games and topped 20 points 14 times, leading MATC to a 31-5 record and an Elite Eight appearance.
Hackett also earned a spot in the NJCAA All-Star Weekend, set for May 8–9 in Las Vegas, joining only two other MATC players in program history to receive that honor.
"Just looking back on the journey and the sacrifices I had to take, it really is a special moment for me," Hackett said after signing with Central Michigan, choosing the Chippewas over several other offers.
From a promise made in grief to a signature on a scholarship letter, Hackett's story is a powerful reminder that the road to the top isn't always a straight line—but every step counts.