Zakai Zeigler’s Open Letter to the Tennessee Volunteers Men’s Basketball Program, Fans, and the Entire Vol Nation Dear Tennessee Volunteers Family, As I reflect on my time wearing the orange and white, I find myself overcome with gratitude, humility, and pride. It’s difficult to put into words what this journey has meant to me, but I feel it’s time to say thank you in the most heartfelt way possible.
From the moment I stepped foot in Knoxville, I knew it was more than simply a place to play basketball; it was home. The love, culture, traditions, and, most importantly, the people welcomed me like family. You didn’t simply applaud for me. You believed in me. And that belief shaped me into the guy and athlete I am now.
Thank you, Coach Rick Barnes and the entire coaching team, for seeing something in a child from New York with huge goals and a bigger heart. You offered me the opportunity to develop not only as a point guard, but also as a leader, competitor, and comrade. You challenged me to dig deeper, to be disciplined, and to stay focused in the face of hardship — and I’ll remember those lessons for the rest of my life.
To my brothers – my teammates — we’ve been through a lot together. From summer training to sold-out stadium clashes, we fought together. We celebrated together, wept together, and bonded as a family. I’ll never forget those locker room moments after a great win or how we supported one another after a painful loss. That link is eternal.
To Vol Nation, your enthusiasm is unparalleled. You packed Thompson-Boling Arena night after night, regardless of record or opponent. You went across the country with us. You wore your orange with pride. And when I faced injury, when I had to battle my way back, you never wavered. Your support got me through some of the most difficult times in my life. I could feel your love in every message, chant, and standing ovation.
Thank you to the Tennessee community for fostering a culture of support for athletes beyond the court. Whether it was a wave from across campus, a kind word at a local diner, or a fan letter sent to the locker room, you reminded me daily of what it means to represent something greater than myself. This is not a goodbye, but a love letter to a chapter of my life that will forever live in my heart.