Jermel President Named 2026 Cougar Trailblazer
1/20/2026 1:12:00 PM | Men's Basketball
CHARLESTON, S.C. - In celebration of Black History Month, College of Charleston Athletics will honor former men's basketball player Jermel President as the 2026 Cougar Trailblazer. President will be honored at the Cougars' men's basketball game on Thursday, February 5 vs. North Carolina A&T and the Cougars' women's basketball game on Friday, February 6 vs. UNCW.
President is the founder of the DAE (Delores and Estelle) Foundation, whose mission is to educate and train student-athletes to become skilled, effective and responsible citizens of their communities through basketball.
"Being recognized as a Cougar Trailblazer is an honor especially during the year that the DAE Foundation marks our 25th anniversary - a quarter century of empowering student athletes," said President. "As I reflect on my personal journey, I'm humbled by the many young lives we've had the honor to serve."
Established in 1999 and named in honor of his mother and grandmother, the DAE Foundation is more than just a skill-development program. The foundation takes a holistic approach, providing players with resources, opportunities and life skills emphasizing the importance of character, academics, nutrition, and mental health. In 2023, the DAE Foundation expanded their social competency training program to all students through schools and community programs.
"What began as a vision to give back to the Charleston community has grown into a legacy of impact. That legacy started with those who shaped me, my mother, Delores, my grandmother, Estelle, and countless teachers, community mentors, and coaches including Reverend Dallas Wilson (Midnight Basketball), Coach Earl Brown (Burke High School), Coach Fletcher Arritt (FUMA), Coach John Kresse (College of Charleston), and NBA Hall of Famer Rick Barry," added President.
"Their influence and support blazed a trail for me, and it is my great privilege to continue paving a way forward for the next generation of Lowcountry student athletes who learn how to handle life through the great game of basketball."
A former Burke High School standout, President played for the Cougars from 1995-1999 and had his jersey retired in the rafters of TD Arena in 2011. The former point guard helped lead the Cougars to three straight NCAA Tournaments, earning the Cougars first tournament win in 1997 with a 75-66 triumph over Maryland. President ended his career as a Cougar scoring 1,175 points, 121 three pointers, 197 assists, 203 rebounds, and 157 steals. He went on to play professionally following his time at CofC.
President is the founder of the DAE (Delores and Estelle) Foundation, whose mission is to educate and train student-athletes to become skilled, effective and responsible citizens of their communities through basketball.
"Being recognized as a Cougar Trailblazer is an honor especially during the year that the DAE Foundation marks our 25th anniversary - a quarter century of empowering student athletes," said President. "As I reflect on my personal journey, I'm humbled by the many young lives we've had the honor to serve."
Established in 1999 and named in honor of his mother and grandmother, the DAE Foundation is more than just a skill-development program. The foundation takes a holistic approach, providing players with resources, opportunities and life skills emphasizing the importance of character, academics, nutrition, and mental health. In 2023, the DAE Foundation expanded their social competency training program to all students through schools and community programs.
"What began as a vision to give back to the Charleston community has grown into a legacy of impact. That legacy started with those who shaped me, my mother, Delores, my grandmother, Estelle, and countless teachers, community mentors, and coaches including Reverend Dallas Wilson (Midnight Basketball), Coach Earl Brown (Burke High School), Coach Fletcher Arritt (FUMA), Coach John Kresse (College of Charleston), and NBA Hall of Famer Rick Barry," added President.
"Their influence and support blazed a trail for me, and it is my great privilege to continue paving a way forward for the next generation of Lowcountry student athletes who learn how to handle life through the great game of basketball."
A former Burke High School standout, President played for the Cougars from 1995-1999 and had his jersey retired in the rafters of TD Arena in 2011. The former point guard helped lead the Cougars to three straight NCAA Tournaments, earning the Cougars first tournament win in 1997 with a 75-66 triumph over Maryland. President ended his career as a Cougar scoring 1,175 points, 121 three pointers, 197 assists, 203 rebounds, and 157 steals. He went on to play professionally following his time at CofC.
Charleston Women's Basketball Post Game Press Conference vs. Elon (1/18/26)
Sunday, January 18
Charleston Women's Basketball Post Game Press Conference vs. Drexel (1/16/26)
Saturday, January 17
Charleston Men's Basketball Post Game Press Conference vs. Hampton (1/10/26)
Sunday, January 11
Cougars Uncaged Episode 4: Jaxon Prunty
Friday, January 09
