Jahmai Mashack Thanks Vol Nation After Outpouring of Support in Wake of Family Loss

Tennessee guard Jahmai Mashack thanked fans online on behalf of himself and his family on Monday after overwhelming support online.

On Sept. 6, the Vols’ senior guard posted a heartfelt message after the loss of his grandfather.

“Hard to describe the loss of a grandparent,” Mashack wrote on X. “But also hard to describe how proud I am as a grandson. You served your family, your community, and your country doing two tours in Vietnam. And you made sure I knew how proud you were of me. RIP as the Mashack legacy continues.”

In just a few days, Mashack’s post on X garnered more than 230 responses in a show of support for him and his family.

Fans responded with empowering messages towards the Tennessee senior, sending prayers and thoughts through the social media app. Others responded with their own stories of losing family members in the Armed Forces as a show of togetherness.

While he did go through and respond to some of the fans on Friday, Mashack posted a follow-up response on Monday afternoon on behalf of his family.

“Can’t tell you how much my family and I appreciates every message and every prayer,” Mashack wrote. “This kind of support is what makes Rocky Top special. Back and ready to get back to work! #VFL”

Can’t tell you how much my family and I appreciates every message and every pray. This kind of support is what makes Rocky Top special. 🙏🏾 Back and ready to get to get back work! 💪🏾 #VFL https://t.co/Xi0goZlRZN

— Jahmai (Jah-MY’) Mashack (@JahmaiM) September 9, 2024

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Mashack’s grandmother, Tayja Mashack, posted a heartwarming response online.

Your grandfather did everything he could to let you know how much he loved you and how proud he was of you!!! Amazing man! The legacy continues with you and your cousins!

— Tayja Mashack (@Sassyat50) September 6, 2024

Mashack returns to Tennessee for his senior season in 2024-2025 and projects to be one of Rick Barnes’ star players. Mashack has established himself as one of the top perimeter guards in the college basketball landscape during his time at Tennessee and is clearly a leader for Barnes’ program.

Along with senior guards Zakai Zeigler and Jorgan Gainey, plus the portal help from North Florida guard Chaz Lanier, Tennessee projects to have a dangerous crop of guards this season.

Before Week 2 of the college football season kicked off on Saturday, the SEC posted an all-sports conference hype video to social media, narrated by Tennessee’s Jahmai Mashack.

It’s time for the next generation to make their mark.

🗣️ voiced by Jahmai Mashack, @Vol_Hoops

🎥 1 of 4 | #ItJustMeansMore pic.twitter.com/NadqgnJiEt

— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) September 7, 2024

The interaction between Mashack and the fans online is reminiscent of another story involving a current Tennessee guard in the fans.

When Zakai Zeigler’s family home tragically burned down in February 2022, the Tennessee fanbase helped ignite a charge that raised more than $350,000 in less than 24 hours for the Zeigler family. More than 5,000 donors contributed to the GoFundMe in the first 24 hours, as well.

“It meant everything,” Zeigler said of the support in March 2022. “I didn’t even expect the support to be that much. I knew everybody had love for me, but after that, it just blew me and my family away. Nothing but great words for Vol Nation.”

Zeigler’s family was able to relocate to Knoxville to be closer to their son as he continued his collegiate career.

If you do nothing today, watch Tennessee Point Guard Zakai Ziegler and his family move into their home in Knoxville, Tennessee.

This family has been through a lot, and it is so awesome to see VolNation do just a little bit to help out.

Just an awesome story all the way around. pic.twitter.com/sOQ6raVVh5

— TorresOnTennessee (@TorresontheVols) July 8, 2022