From Setbacks to Slam Dunks

Meet Zakai Zeiglar, a 5’9” point guard who was often dismissed in a sport where taller players dominated the basketball court. His story is more than inspiring—it’s a mirror for what so many healthcare facility administrators go through behind the scenes. 

As a high schooler, Zakai commuted four hours roundtrip each day on New York trains just to attend a school in New Jersey for the chance to play the sport of his dreams.  When everyone around Zakai put thoughts of doubt in his mind,he didn’t let any of that shake his vision to play at the collegiate level, especially when it came to college recruitment season.  Zakai had zero offers—until the University of Tennessee took a chance on him just as the fall season was about to begin.  

As a healthcare administrator, you might know the feeling.  You feel as if you are putting in 100% effort, yet not getting the results, and you certainly don’t feel seen for all of your hard work. Am I right?  The following probably sounds all to familiar.

👉 Hiring setbacks that make you question your team’s future 

👉 Budgets that don’t stretch far enough for what your residents deserve 

👉 Constantly shifting regulations that require endless policy rewrites 

👉 Sleepless nights from juggling staff schedules, compliance demands, and emergency drills 👉 Burnout from pouring so much into others with little left for yourself 

Zakai’s path didn’t get easier after college started, either. 

🏀 His family’s home burnt down during his freshman year. 

🏀 A torn ACL benched him most of his sophomore season. 

🏀 Another injury threatened to cut short his final college run. 

But he never quit.  In fact, he let those setbacks fuel his passion and determination.  He used it to clarify what he wanted and he gave it all he got?

As Zakai finished his senior year, he became the most decorated point guard in Tennessee history, leading his team to the NCAA Elite 8 twice, and winning SEC Defensive Player of the Year two times.

He stayed grounded, driven, and inspired by his purpose and vision.  So can you.

In a world where policies change overnight and obstacles seem never-ending, let Zakai’s journey remind you:

💥 Passion matters. 

💥 Persistence counts. 

💥 Your role is more than paperwork—it’s purpose-driven care. Remember, YOU are the difference maker within your facility.
Keep showing up. Keep leading. And know that success doesn’t come from ease—it comes from resilience.  You’ve got this!

- The UCampus Group Team