Jackson Garrick Named 2024-25 Big 12 Conference Special Olympics Male Athlete of the Year

PROVO, Utah - Dec. 9, 2024 - PRLog -- Jackson Garrick, an accomplished athlete with Provo United Special Olympics, has been named the 2024-25 Big 12 Conference Special Olympics Male Athlete of the Year. He was honored for his achievements during the Dr Pepper Big 12 Football Championship on Saturday, December 7, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Jackson Garrick's journey in sports began at the age of five when he first picked up a basketball. Since then, his passion for athletics has only grown. His involvement with Special Olympics started in 2013 in Houston, Texas, allowing him to develop skills in a wide variety of sports, including football, basketball, softball, swimming, tennis, golf, volleyball, bowling, bocce ball, and track and field. Known for his long-range shooting, Garrick consistently makes NBA-level three-pointers, throws two-handed bowling strikes, and plays as the quarterback for his football team.

In 2017, Garrick's athletic prowess led his Klein Champions basketball team to win three consecutive Texas State Championships. Over the years, he has earned nearly 60 medals in state-level Special Olympic events. In 2023, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by joining the BYU Special Olympics team. Alongside his teammates, Garrick helped secure the Utah State Basketball Championship title, and they went on to place third at the NIRSA Collegiate Basketball National Championship, where he was named the Team MVP of the Utah State Games.

Outside of sports, Garrick graduated with honors from Mountain View High School and currently attends the Alpine Transition and Education Center, where he focuses on building and refining his life skills. He serves his community as a youth Sunday School teacher for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Recently, he was featured in BYUtv's athletic docuseries Deep Blue (https://youtu.be/4IDzpgHI_ks?si=0b-4Y6m3ko78mn5m), which highlighted his impressive shooting ability.



Garrick is an avid basketball fan, frequently watching NBA and collegiate games. He enjoys spending time with his family and playing with his three nephews. His dedication, talent, and spirit continue to inspire those around him, making him a deserving recipient of this prestigious honor.