ATLANTA — It's been three years since a Pace Academy football player was rushed to the hospital after suffering from a traumatic brain injury while playing in his homecoming football game. The injury left Jordan Sloan paralyzed.
He is still fighting to walk again with aid from a team of doctors and around the clock medical care. It's the support of another teammate that has been a constant motivator. Sloan's best friend, Marcos San Miguel, who is now a first year walk-on with the Georgia Tech basketball team, that has been a constant motivator.
After getting accepted into a long list of prestigious schools, it was the appeal of experiencing something meaningful that drew him five miles down the road.
"I ended up choosing Georgia Tech because I thought I’d have the most meaningful experience," added San Miguel.
While San Miguel was a walk on, Coach Damon Stoudamire said he's just as invested in him as he is in the rest of his players.
“I try to follow them on social media and just know what they’re doing and so I went on his social media and that’s when I got a little more familiar with his story," Stoudamire said.
San Miguel's love and friendship for Sloan is visible all over his social media.
"I really love Jordan and he’s been a great friend to me ever since I’ve known him so it shouldn’t matter if I’m going to college and I’m moving on with my life. He still has to be at the front of my mind because he still needs my help," added San Miguel.
The Tech player relaunched a fundraiser campaign for Sloan this fall. After noticing the link on San Migueal's page, Coach Stoudamire did something that would truly be meaningful.
"After reading practice, I told Marcos that as team we would donate $10,000 to support his classmate," said Stoudamire.
San Miguel said the coach announced the news during a practice a few weeks ago, shocking him and his teammates.
“I was fairly emotional. You know I’ve known coach for several months at this point and to have someone that new to do something for me and my friend is really inspiring," said San Miguel.
Coach Stoudamire is upping the ante, promising an additional $25 for every charge and 3-point shot made this season.
"He’s on my squad. I applauded his efforts and wanted to reward him. At the same time - let’s make as many threes as we can and take as many charges as we can," said Stoudamire.
To support San Miguel's fundraiser, donate here.