Jarrius “Jay” Spearman is a native of Greenwood, SC. As a child, Jay was introduced to sports and developed a life-long passion for all sports. This passion led him to become a student-athlete at Greenwood High School and at the University of South Carolina. Jay had a vision to become a professional athlete, which seemed clear until he faced adversity in the form of injuries, followed by surgeries, in three consecutive years (2008, 2009, and 2010). At first, he had no idea how to handle the plan that God had for his life.
As he studied, practiced, and applied God’s word, he was humbled, his goals were redirected, and he began to find purpose in his gifts that manifested beyond athletics. As he continues to live, he is grateful to be surrounded by family, friends, and people who have become like family because these are the people who have made Bigger Than Sports, SC, possible. Each individual associated with BTSSC has been involved with athletics from parental, coaching, or personal roles. Some individuals have been involved from all three perspectives.
The injuries sparked Jay’s interest in exercise science, specifically in human performance, to develop student-athletes. Following the injuries, Jay obtained a bachelor’s degree and two post-graduate degrees: a Master of Public Health degree in Health Services Policy and Management & a Master of Science degree in Exercise Science. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). He is Functional Movement Screening Certified (FMSC) through Functional Movement Systems. Jay is the founder of Bigger Than Sports, SC (BTSSC).
Jay understands that God has called him to teach student-athletes life skills beyond sports. He understands the need for BTSSC because he has lived with the pain of having passions without a clear sense of purpose, and he wants to help others who will experience life after sports.
Bigger Than Sports, SC has one goal: to serve God and develop others by using what God has given us. We firmly believe that God uses our situations to show His power!
John 9:3 and John 11:4
BTSSC 