Jami Morris: A Beacon of Hope
Jami Morris, a talented women's golfer from Penn State, has been making waves not just on the green, but also in her community. Hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, Jami is the founder of one of the most successful student-led cancer fundraisers in Northeast Ohio, and has recently been named the spring captain of the Allstate NACDA Good Works Team. This recognition celebrates her outstanding commitment to community service, academics, and athletic excellence.
A Personal Journey
Morris's journey into philanthropy began in 2016, a pivotal year that changed her family forever when her mother was diagnosed with lymphoma. Rather than succumbing to despair, Jami resolved to turn this personal hardship into a mission that would benefit others. She founded 'Hit Fore Hope,' a charity golf event at her local Cleveland course, with an ambitious goal of raising a modest $10,000 for the University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center. However, what began as a small initiative quickly blossomed into something much larger.
Within just three years, Jami has remarkably raised over $280,000 to support crucial services, including cancer research and patient care. "Hit Fore Hope started as a way to honor my mom, and I never imagined it would grow like this," Jami shared. Her story is one of resilience and community strength, highlighting how tragedy can ignite purpose.
Leadership and Impact
In her role as a community activist, Jami serves not only as the beacon for Hit Fore Hope but also collaborates with healthcare professionals at the University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center to ensure that the funds raised are utilized effectively for patient care and relevant programs. Her advocacy extends to cancer awareness, where she actively encourages young people to engage in meaningful philanthropic actions. Jami strives to impart the message that adversity can be transformed into action, setting an inspiring example for her peers and future generations.
A Well-Deserved Recognition
The Allstate NACDA Good Works Team stands as a tribute to student-athletes who have shown exceptional leadership in community service. Chosen from over 200 nominations nationwide, the team includes 20 student-athletes across multiple NCAA divisions. The selection of Jami as captain speaks volumes about her extraordinary efforts and the impact she has on both her community and the sport.
Holly Rowe, a prominent ESPN reporter and ambassador for the Allstate NACDA Good Works Team, expressed her admiration for Morris's contributions. "As a cancer survivor myself, I understand the power of turning adversity into action. What Jami has accomplished with Hit Fore Hope is truly inspiring, and I'm proud to see her named captain of the Good Works Team," Rowe remarked.
Building a Legacy
The Allstate NACDA Good Works Team was established in 2024, building on a proud legacy of recognizing student-athletes for their service-oriented achievements. This initiative honors both male and female athletes in all collegiate sports and divisions for fostering positive change within their communities.
With her recent accolade, Jami Morris is not just a captain of the Good Works Team; she is a champion of hope, resilience, and community spirit. Her journey reminds us all that with purpose and collective effort, it is possible to overcome challenges and make a meaningful difference in the world around us.
To learn more about the efforts of the Allstate NACDA Good Works Team and how student-athletes like Jami Morris are making an impact, visit
www.nacda.com.