Jarrius “Jay” Spearman is a native of Greenwood, SC. As a child, Jay was introduced to sports and he 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 to be clear, until he was faced with 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 this alternative plan that God had for his life.
As he studied, practiced, and applied God’s word, he was humbled and his goals were redirected and he began to find purpose in his gifts that manifested beyond athletics. As he continues to live life, 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 either a parental role, coaching role, or personal role. Some individuals have been involved from all three perspectives.
The injuries sparked Jay’s interest in exercise science specifically in the area of human performance to develop student athletes. Following the injuries, Jay went on to obtain 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 teaches Anatomy and Exercise Physiology. He is an Assistant Football Coach, and is currently serving as the Director of Strength and Conditioning, at Heathwood Hall. He is the Founder and President of Bigger Than Sports, SC (BTSSC).
Jay has an understanding that teaching student athletes life skills, beyond sports, is what God has called him to do. 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, this goal is 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 