They’re calling it “The Mashack Miracle.”
With time winding down in a tie game against Alabama last Saturday, Tennessee senior guard Jahmai Mashack hit a jaw-dropping 35-foot buzzer-beating three-pointer to put the Vols on top of their conference rival in a critical SEC matchup.
But Mashack’s work isn’t exclusive to the court. Compared to basketball, Mashack’s work in the community is even more of a miracle to those in the area who are in need.
Just two days after Mashack’s game-winner against Alabama, the California native opened up a virtual food drive in partnership with Second Harvest of East Tennessee. When Mashack sent out the original tweet on Mar. 3, he set a goal of raising $7,900 to provide 23,700 meals to families in East Tennessee.
In just three hours, the goal was met.
Three days and a handful of hours later, Mashack’s fundraiser is up to a whopping $38,778 with a newly adjusted goal of $40,000.
“No matter what, I want to do 2 things,” Mashack posted online. “Give thanks to my Heavenly Father and give back to the community. As a Vol, I’ve been in a position to do both. I am forever grateful (because) we have raised enough to provide over 100,000 meals to those in need! THANK YOU VolNation!! #VFL”
No matter what, I want to do 2things. Give thanks to my Heavenly Father and give back to the community. As a Vol, I’ve been in a position to do both. 🙏🏾
I am forever grateful bc we have raised enough to provide over 100,000 meals to those in need! THANK YOU VolNation!! #VFL https://t.co/vhV2ZeKDRu
— Jahmai (Jah-MY’) Mashack (@JahmaiM) March 6, 2025
The March food drive isn’t the first fundraiser that Mashack has organized, and it certainly won’t be his last. Mashack also raised money with Second Harvest last November and ended at $14,700. The following month, Mashack helped distribute food using the money raised to provide 398 households with 21,335 pounds of food.
It comes as no surprise that Mashack was named Tennessee Athletics’ men’s basketball representative on the SEC Community Service Team on Thursday. Mashack was also named to the 2024 SEC Community Service Team as a junior on Rocky Top.
Mashack’s generosity should serve as an inspiration to all Tennessee fans. To a family in need, help with a meal is a miracle that stretches far beyond the basketball court. Credit goes to all the generous people who have donated their hard-earned money, too.
the least surprising thing you’ll read today:
Jahmai Mashack is Tennessee’s representative on the SEC Community Service Team
read more → https://t.co/b2tjENRxCA pic.twitter.com/tRwsjFynKF
— Tennessee Basketball (@Vol_Hoops) March 6, 2025
More from RTI: Jahmai Mashack Came Up Huge For Tennessee Basketball Before Game Winning Shot
On the court, the senior guard is looking to help his team find a win in this Saturday’s regular-season finale against South Carolina before the SEC Tournament begins in Nashville next week. With starts in all 30 games this season, Mashack is averaging a career-high 6.0 points per game while still being one of the top all-around defenders that college basketball has to offer.
Mashack is also averaging career highs in minutes (28.2), field goal percentage (46.9%), three-point percentage (38.1%), rebounds per game (4.1), blocks per game (0.63), and steals per game (1.63).
Stay tuned to Rocky Top Insider for more Tennessee basketball coverage with postseason play right around the corner.
To donate to or read more about Jahmai Mashack’s Second Harvest of East Tennessee fundraiser, click his link here. Donations appear to be accepted up to Mar. 31, 2025.
