BREAKING NEWS: Tennessee Volunteers Rising Star Zakai Zeigler Invests $3.3 Million to Transform House Into Shelter for Homeless Youth in Knoxville
In an age where the world of college athletics is often dominated by stories of NIL deals, draft stock projections, and social media branding, Tennessee Volunteers basketball standout Zakai Zeigler has chosen to use his rising platform for something far more impactful—and profoundly human.
In a heartfelt announcement that has taken the Knoxville community and much of the sports world by storm, Zeigler revealed that he has invested a staggering $3.3 million of his personal earnings to purchase and fully renovate a large estate on the outskirts of downtown Knoxville. But this is no luxurious home or private retreat. Instead, Zeigler is converting the property into a shelter designed specifically for homeless and at-risk youth in the area—a bold, transformative move that shines a light on both his character and his deep connection to the Knoxville community.
The 21-year-old guard, who has become a beloved figure among Vols fans for his tenacity, leadership, and heart on the court, is now winning admiration for his compassion and vision off the hardwood. The property, a former 12-bedroom historic home located near Holston Hills, will be repurposed into a facility that not only provides immediate shelter and meals for young people in need but also includes access to educational resources, mental health support, and mentorship programs.
Zeigler, who made the announcement in front of a crowd of local reporters, city officials, and community leaders outside the gates of the property, was visibly emotional as he discussed what drove him to make such a significant personal investment.
“Growing up, I saw firsthand what it means to struggle, what it means to not have a safe place to sleep at night,” Zeigler said, his voice steady with purpose. “Now that I’ve been given this platform and these blessings, it didn’t feel right to just sit on that. I want to make a difference where it really counts. Knoxville has given so much to me, and this is just one way I can try to give something real back.”
Originally from Long Island, New York, Zeigler’s path to Tennessee wasn’t lined with five-star accolades or nationwide hype. He was a late recruit—an underdog in every sense—who fought his way onto the Vols’ radar and into the hearts of fans with his grit, high basketball IQ, and infectious energy. Despite suffering a devastating ACL injury during the 2022-23 season, Zeigler’s recovery and return became one of the defining stories of Tennessee basketball in recent years.
His commitment to giving back is no surprise to those closest to him. Friends and teammates describe him as someone who is always looking out for others, who brings energy and empathy into every room he walks into. Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes, who has long praised Zeigler’s character and leadership, was on hand during the announcement and spoke proudly of his point guard’s decision.
“Zakai’s heart is as big as his game,” Barnes said. “He’s the kind of young man who makes you proud to be associated with this program. This isn’t about publicity for him—it’s about people. It’s about kids who need a second chance, a safe place, and someone who believes in them. That’s exactly what this shelter is going to offer.”
The facility, which will be named “Z’s Place,” is scheduled to open its doors by the end of 2025. Zeigler has already partnered with several local nonprofits and city agencies to ensure the shelter is equipped with the infrastructure and support systems necessary to operate at the highest standard. Plans include a round-the-clock staff of trained professionals, onsite counselors, job readiness training, GED prep classes, and extracurricular activities ranging from music to sports and art therapy.
Zeigler emphasized that his goal is not just to provide short-term relief but to create a sustainable model for long-term growth and reintegration for the young people who come through the doors.
“These kids deserve more than just a roof over their heads,” he said. “They deserve a path forward, someone to walk with them through the hard stuff, and a space where they’re reminded every single day that they matter.”
News of Zeigler’s announcement quickly went viral on social media, with fans, fellow athletes, and celebrities praising the move as an example of how young stars can use their influence to spark real-world change. Within hours, hashtags like #ZsPlace and #ThankYouZakai were trending across multiple platforms. Many in the Knoxville community took to Twitter and Instagram to share their personal stories of hardship, expressing gratitude and hope at the promise of a new refuge for those struggling to find stability.
Local leaders also lauded Zeigler’s initiative. Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon issued a statement shortly after the announcement, calling Zeigler’s commitment “a landmark moment for our city.”
“We often talk about heroes on the court or on the field,” the statement read. “Today, Zakai Zeigler showed us what it means to be a hero in life. His investment in Knoxville’s future, in the lives of our most vulnerable, is a gift that will resonate for generations.”
Zeigler has made it clear that this is just the beginning. He spoke of his plans to remain involved in the shelter’s day-to-day operations even as his basketball career continues to rise. Whether he’s playing at Thompson-Boling Arena or in the NBA down the road, Zeigler says he wants to ensure that “Z’s Place” doesn’t just bear his name but carries his spirit.
When asked whether he sees this as a one-time gesture or part of a larger life mission, Zeigler didn’t hesitate.
“This is the lane I want to be in for the long haul,” he said. “Basketball has opened doors for me, but helping people—that’s the purpose.”
Beyond the basketball world, nonprofit leaders are already pointing to Zeigler’s investment as a potential game-changer. With Knoxville seeing a steady rise in youth homelessness over the past decade, the need for safe, supportive environments has never been greater. Experts say “Z’s Place” could serve as a model for similar efforts nationwide, especially given the growing trend of athlete-led philanthropic ventures.
As the sun began to set behind the towering branches surrounding the future shelter, Zeigler remained outside long after the press conference had ended, shaking hands with neighbors, posing for photos, and listening to stories from community members eager to thank him in person. It was a powerful, unscripted moment that encapsulated the essence of his message: connection, compassion, and courage.
In a college basketball landscape increasingly driven by headlines about money and movement, Zakai Zeigler is choosing to lead with something rarer and infinitely more meaningful: heart.
In the months ahead, construction crews will descend on the old home, transforming it from a forgotten relic into a sanctuary of hope. As plans move forward, Zeigler says he’ll be involved in everything from architectural walkthroughs to curriculum planning for enrichment programs.
“This is personal,” he said. “These aren’t just numbers on a check. This is about changing lives. And I’m all in.”
So while fans may know him as the electric playmaker wearing orange and white, those in Knoxville—and far beyond—will now remember Zakai Zeigler as something even more profound: a builder of futures, a protector of dreams, and a voice for those too often unheard.
And perhaps, in the years to come, when one of the young men or women who found shelter in “Z’s Place” goes on to make a difference of their own, they’ll remember the story of a basketball player who chose to build something bigger than a legacy—he built a home.