Full Court Impact: Duke’s Jon Scheyer Extends His Legacy Beyond the Hardwood with New Foundation
Duke men’s basketball head coach Jon Scheyer is making waves not just in Cameron Indoor Stadium, but in communities across the country. In a bold and inspiring move, Scheyer has officially launched the Scheyer Impact Foundation, a transformative nonprofit initiative aimed at empowering young athletes both on and off the court.
This marks a new chapter in Scheyer’s already impressive journey—from a national champion as a player at Duke, to successor of legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski, and now, to a philanthropic leader deeply committed to shaping lives beyond basketball.
Announced earlier this week, the Scheyer Impact Foundation will focus on expanding access to quality athletic resources, mentorship, leadership development, and educational support for youth in underserved areas. The initiative is designed to foster personal growth, resilience, and opportunity through sport, especially for those who may not have had access to the kinds of support systems Scheyer himself benefited from.
“For me, basketball has always been a vehicle for transformation,” Scheyer said in the foundation’s announcement video. “But not every kid has the same opportunities. Through this foundation, I want to give back in a way that lifts others—on the court, in the classroom, and in life.”
The foundation’s first wave of programs includes youth basketball camps with an emphasis on mental wellness and character development, mentorship workshops led by former Duke players and educators, and scholarship grants for student-athletes seeking to continue their education.
Scheyer’s vision is rooted in his own experience. As a highly touted high school recruit, then a star on Duke’s 2010 NCAA championship team, and now a rising coaching figure, he understands the pressures and pitfalls young athletes face. That lived insight gives the foundation an authenticity that resonates.
Duke University has expressed full support for Scheyer’s endeavor. In a statement, Duke President Vincent Price called the foundation “a natural extension of Jon’s commitment to service and leadership.” Meanwhile, athletic director Nina King praised Scheyer’s decision to use his platform for meaningful change, calling it “a reflection of what Duke Basketball truly stands for.”
The foundation will also offer internship opportunities for Duke students studying education, social work, and sports leadership—further integrating campus resources with community impact. Plans for expansion include outreach partnerships with schools in North Carolina, Illinois (Scheyer’s home state), and beyond.
The launch of the Scheyer Impact Foundation signals a powerful reminder that college athletics can do more than entertain—they can inspire, uplift, and transform. In an era where college sports are often defined by NIL deals, transfer portals, and win-loss records, Scheyer’s move stands out as a commitment to something deeper: developing people, not just players.
As he continues to build Duke into a national contender on the court, Jon Scheyer is simultaneously building something far more enduring off of it. And through the Scheyer Impact Foundation, his legacy may be felt long after the final buzzer sounds.
