First Year Student-Athletes Whose Scholarships Kept Them Together

Winning is something Jada Cole and Jocelyn Owens like to do. They are members of the UNT Dallas track and field and cross-country teams. Naturally, they are competitive – academically and athletically.

Wins of a different kind played a big part in duo’s decision to attend UNT Dallas. In 2024, when they were seniors at Lincoln High School in Dallas, both applied for a scholarship offered by Northern Texas PGA (Professional Golfers’ Association), also funded by Deloitte and United Way.

From tee to green, here’s how it all happened: Jada and Jocelyn both played sports at Lincoln High School, though not exactly the same ones. Jada was a multi-sport athlete who competed in wrestling, powerlifting, pole vault, discus and soccer. Jocelyn was a sprinter and long jumper. “Our (golf) teacher wanted everybody to be somebody after high school,” Jocelyn said. It was easy to add golf to their athletic repertoire through a golfing event every Thursday, the pair remembered.

Lincoln is one of four Dallas ISD high schools the PGA partners with – providing clubs, balls and other gear and equipment to get kids interested in the sport. Golf exposes students not only to the fun aspect of golf, but it also teaches them life lessons that are inherent to the game, including patience and discipline. 

When it came time to choose a college, it appeared Jada and Jocelyn might go their separate ways. “We almost became long distance friends,” Jocelyn said with a smile. At the time, she was considering a college outside the DFW area. But their golf teacher encouraged them to apply for scholarships from the NTPGA’s Fairway to Success Program.

Each year, the organization awards scholarships to outstanding and deserving students at its four Dallas ISD partner high schools. Jada and Jocelyn were both selected for a scholarship. They found out during a school assembly. It was a moment they will never forget. “We opened the envelope and, wow!” Jada said. "These scholarships are life-changing," said Jason Downing of Deloitte. The scholarships not only provide financial support, but they also include mentoring and tours of offices - professional places and spaces many students have never seen. 

Watch: Learn More About the Fairway to Success Program and Scholarships in This Video

Now in their ninth month as full-time UNT Dallas students, Jada and Jocelyn smile and laugh as they explain their most memorable moments. "The first cross country meet in Oklahoma City," said Jada. "It was a refreshing and rewarding experience." For Jocelyn, it was "the bingo game where we learned about Title IV. We were educated and had fun," she said.

When asked to describe each other, each had a definite answer. "She's cool under pressure," Jocelyn said about Jada. "She smiles and jokes, but she knows when to get serious. She's a vibe."

Jada calls Jocelyn a "hard worker who's persistent." She inspires you to stay on top of your game," Jada said. "I love being around here, although she's a picky eater."

Both recently competed in the Bill Schmidt Invite at UNT in Denton.

Other than the gym and the track, both can be found studying at the Learning Commons. The young women say they are enjoying their UNT Dallas experience. "It is very welcoming and very diverse," said Jada. "It's a place where there's common ground," said Jocelyn. Looking ahead to next year, both want to keep pushing themselves, in class and out. "I'm a sprinter but I want to test other events like the long jump and the 400 meter relay," said Jocelyn. "I want to build up my endurance," said Jada. Both trust their coach, Knashia Dawson. "They say jump, we say how high?" the two agreed. 

The next round of Fairway to Success scholarship recipients will be announced in June for the 2025-2026 academic year. “Congratulations to Jada and Jocelyn on being recognized for their hard work and accomplishments," said Dr. Warren von Eschenbach, UNT Dallas President. "We are grateful for the generosity of Deloitte, the Northern Texas PGA, and the United Way, and we are delighted to partner with them to allow more students to pursue a four-year degree at UNT Dallas.”

For Jada and Jocelyn, their first year as college students at UNT Dallas has been another win – an extension of the time they shared at Lincoln, as part of the B-Tech Early College High School program. Since September, they have experienced the challenges, opportunities and discoveries that college brings. And they have learned this lesson: friends who play together, stay together.