Newman University student-athlete Jordan Glenn-Hawkins knows what it means to battle back — not just from a tough loss or a grueling practice, but from the fight of his life.
Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Glenn-Hawkins is entering his second year with the Newman men’s basketball program. But his path to Newman — and back to the court — nearly came to a halt after he suffered a cardiac arrest at a young age.
“It was both terrifying and eye-opening,” Glenn-Hawkins said. “The recovery process forced me to slow down, reflect and appreciate life in a way I hadn’t before. It taught me that nothing is guaranteed, and because of that, I learned to value both my health and the people around me much more.”
The former high school standout said basketball has been more than just a sport; it’s been a lifeline.
“It’s taught me discipline, resilience and how to work within a team toward a common goal,” he said. “It has opened many opportunities and I have met so many people through playing basketball.”
One of those people is Noah Gosse, Newman’s assistant men’s basketball coach, who is entering his third year with the program after moving from Green Bay, Wisconsin.
“Jordan is the definition of a warrior,” Gosse said. “To go out and do what he does on the court, giving it his all with the condition that he has is truly special.”
What inspires me the most about Jordan’s story is the amount of grit and love for basketball he has.
Noah Gosse, assistant men’s basketball coach
Gosse said he’s inspired daily by Glenn-Hawkins’ resilience — and his consistency.
“On and off the floor, he’s the same smiling person every day to everyone he encounters,” he said.
Glenn-Hawkins credits Gosse and head coach R.J. Allen with helping him grow, not just as an athlete, but as a person.
“They’ve pushed me to be better, not just as a student-athlete but as a person. Whether it’s through encouragement, tough love or leading by example,” Glenn-Hawkins said.
A future entrepreneur
Now studying business at Newman, Glenn-Hawkins hopes to one day launch his own company or work in sports management.
“My business major is giving me the foundation in leadership, finance and strategy that I’ll need to succeed,” he said. “I want to take what I’ve learned in the classroom and apply it to building something that makes an impact.”
The same drive that fuels his academic ambitions also propels him on the court. Since his health scare, Glenn-Hawkins said he’s learned to approach the game — and life — with deeper intention.
“On the court, I’ve learned to listen to my body and take care of it so I can give my best effort every day,” he said. “Off the court, I’ve grown in maturity and gratitude. I’ve been blessed with opportunities, and I try to use my story to inspire others who might be facing their own struggles.”
A place to flourish
For Glenn-Hawkins, Newman University has become more than just a place to play basketball — it’s become a second home.
“My experience at Newman has been excellent,” he said. “Both academically and athletically, I’ve discovered a supportive community that has encouraged me to develop as a person, student and athlete. I feel both challenged and supported there, which has made me an overall better individual.”
When he’s not on the court or in class, Glenn-Hawkins enjoys campus events like the color run, outdoor cookouts and intramural games.
“Being involved outside of basketball lets me see Newman from different perspectives beyond just athletics,” he added.
For Gosse, witnessing Glenn-Hawkins thrive after so much adversity is what coaching is all about.
“The most rewarding thing about coaching in general is seeing individuals grow — not just in their skills on the court, but also them becoming young men in the real world,” Gosse said. “What inspires me the most about Jordan’s story is the amount of grit and love for basketball he has. To go through what he went through takes a strong amount of courage and strength to keep going. The easy way would have been to just stop playing basketball and move on with life, but that’s not Jordan.”
And for Glenn-Hawkins, it’s never been about the easy way — it’s about the journey, the people and the game that helped him find his way back.
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