Jared Gravely ’25, a.k.a. “the Grizz,” is a sports marketing major who started emceeing St. Joe’s men’s and women’s basketball games last season. He got the gig after Rachel Novotny, assistant athletics director for marketing, sent him an email asking to meet. “I’m like, oh boy, I’m in trouble. They heard me chirping,” Gravely remembered. But that wasn’t the case. The SJU Athletics staff wanted to give him a chance to do something he’s really good at: cheering on athletes and supporting his peers. This year, women’s soccer hired him to announce the team’s starting lineup at their home games on Sweeney Field. After graduation, the Philadelphia native hopes to remain close to home, working full-time in athletics.

Why do you think people consider you a campus celebrity? 

My friendly persona and my yap.

Do you have your own favorite campus celebrity? 

Chris Newman. He’s a junior and new Hawk for the women’s basketball team. We pick each other’s brains every now and then.

What about a celebrity not on campus? 

My idol, my mentor, Eddie Murphy. I see myself in him. 

What would you consider to be your best trait? 

I’m loyal to a fault, to the school and to my peers.

What is your favorite place on campus? 

Everyone’s expecting me to say Campion. I’ll say Sweeney Field.

What is your favorite class you’ve ever taken? 

The class I’m taking right now, Acting … I get to display my craft and what I can do on a stage. I’ve learned a lot after five weeks. 

What is your most treasured possession? 

My ring right here. My mother gave it to me when I was 15. 

What talent would you most like to have? 

Piano. 

Who is someone on campus that you look up to? 

My advisor, Stephanie Tryce, and one of my marketing professors, Dr. Morgan Bryant.

What is something about you that might surprise people?  

I work with kids. I’m a camp counselor. I coach when I can. I was glad to have a nice upbringing, I want kids to have the same positive role models.

What’s one word you would hope people on campus would use to describe you? 

Energetic.

If you could be any building on campus, which one would you be? 

It’s a tie between Mandeville and Bellarmine. Mandeville because, business major, that’s my home. And Bellarmine, it’s just nice and beautiful. And, of course, my domicile, I think I could find myself being Hagan. 

Who are your heroes? 

My parents. They’ve sacrificed everything to get me to this point.  

What has been your favorite memory of emceeing so far? 

The first time I was on the microphone was the men’s basketball team’s first game last year. Everyone was just shocked. ‘Jared is on the mic?’ That was big for me.

What is your biggest worry for the season? 

I like a crowd. You’ll get those crowds at the men’s games but at the women’s games, it’s a shame. Both teams are equally good. So that is my one worry. 

What are you most looking forward to this upcoming basketball season? 

Year four, my last ride. I know the teams are gonna give it all they got, but personally, I got a few tricks up my sleeve.