904 Day Feature: Jazz Bond & Student-Athlete Excellence

Using the Jacksonville and greater northeast Florida area code, 904, "904 Day" is an effort aimed to provide resources and support to fuel the funding of technology resources that can be utilized by nearly 300 UNF student-athletes.

Women's basketball redshirt-senior Jazz Bond is one of the most versatile assets for any team across the ASUN Conference.

Bond became UNF's career leader in blocked shots after finishing ninth in the nation and first in the ASUN in that category last season. The forward led the league in free-throw percentage and was fourth in rebounding, all the while averaging 15.9 and 13.6 points during two seasons at UNF.

This versatility extends to the classroom too.

Bond was recently nominated for the prestigious Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar Award, recognizing excellence in the classroom, community and in competition.

Last year she was an ASUN All-Academic selection while volunteering at Jacksonville's Habitat for Humanity, Fleet Landing, Salvation Army and Kernan Trail Elementary.
Time management served as the glue to hold these busy days together.

"The type of life we [student-athletes] have is kind of hectic at times with our busy schedule of practice, lifts, study and doing to class," Bond said. "But, it's all about having good time management."

After 22 appearances at the University of South Florida during the 2016-17 season, Bond transferred to North Florida where she blossomed into a groove in Jacksonville.

"Now, since I'm a senior I've gotten a hang of things," Bond said.

Off the court, one of the keys to gathering herself and her responsibilities has been UNF's Student-Athlete Center for Excellence.

"They are always there for you, no matter the situation," Bond said. "They won't let you struggle. Things can get stressful. But, they are always there for support. Whether that's getting your study hall hours or sitting down with you one-on-one."

The Murfreesboro, Tenn., native is currently pursuing her master's degree in public health. While some of her classes are still in person, Bond is also handling a new normal with distance learning.

Also on her and the rest of her teammates' plate are fall practices and workouts.

"We are taking everything day-by-day," Bond said. "We have individuals [practices], and during that time we are focused on that and getting better. Once that's over our mind goes to academics."

When her senior season is complete, Bond has her eyes set on a pair of goals.

"After I get done playing here, I hope to play overseas," Bond said. "With life after basketball, I want to be able to be a travel or neonatal nurse. Or, work with the World Health Organization, travel the world, go to rural areas and be in the medical field."

Players Mentioned

Jazz Bond

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