Growing up in Reserve, Louisiana, basketball wasn't just a game for Jared - it was his calling. At Riverside Academy, he emerged as a force on the court, transforming from a local talent into the state's top-ranked point guard. His electric play style and leadership led his team to a state championship, earning him recognition as a McDonald's All-American nominee and putting his small hometown on the basketball map.

Just as his collegiate dreams were within reach, a routine medical screening changed everything. The diagnosis: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM). Doctors questioned if he'd ever play competitive basketball again. But for Jared, this wasn't the end - it was a moment to lean deeper into his faith. With unwavering support from his family and a groundbreaking medical clearance process, he proved that his heart condition would not define his future.