Jacquez Overstreet

Student

Though he has left his home state of Wisconsin, Bay College education major Jacquez Overstreet is staying close to his roots in spirit. His father directly inspired both his athletic pursuits and his choice of a major at Bay.

Jacquez graduated from Oshkosh West High School in Oshkosh, Wis. earlier this year. He came to Bay College after being recruited to join the Bay College Norse men’s basketball team.

According to Jacquez, basketball has been a part of his life – and his family – for a long time.

“I’ve been playing basketball since I’ve been able to walk. My dad was a basketball player – he played for Western Michigan University,” he said.

Still, he was excited to pursue this passion outside of Wisconsin when he had the opportunity to do so.

“I saw it as a chance to get away from where I grew up and make connections with different people,” Jacquez said.

While the fall 2021 semester is still in its earliest days, Jacquez said classes are off to a strong start for him.

“It’s been good – the teachers and all the staff here are very helpful. All the resources I need are right here,” he said.

He also appreciates the layout of Bay’s campus in Escanaba.

“I recommend it for people who like smaller environments. It’s very welcoming – the campus is dope. I like how it’s enclosed,” Jacquez said.

At Bay, Jacquez is majoring in education. Like his decision to join the Bay College Norse, his decision to pursue a degree in this field has close ties to his own family.

“I just like helping kids. My dad is a teacher who helps at-risk kids, and I want to follow in his footsteps,” he said.

Along with his academic pursuits, Jacquez is excited about the start of Bay’s basketball season.

“We’ve had workouts and stuff. We haven’t had our first practice yet, but I’ve already made a lot of connections with the team and coaching staff. I feel really confident in the team this year – I see us going pretty far, as long as COVID doesn’t interfere,” he said.

Once he has completed his college education, Jacquez hopes to join the staff or faculty of a middle school.

“Middle schoolers go through a lot mentally that they might not know how to deal with, so I want to be there for them,” he said.

However, he aims to pursue this dream far away from both Michigan and Wisconsin.

“I want to go down South, honestly. The Carolinas, Florida – basically anywhere on the water,” Jacquez said.