In a remarkable story of resilience and determination, John Jakus, the new head basketball coach at Florida Atlantic University, has navigated a path that has been both challenging and transformative. From his time coaching overseas to the life-changing diagnosis of his son's autism, Jakus' journey has shaped him into the leader he is today, poised to make his mark on the college basketball landscape.

A Calling to Coach, a Calling to Serve

Combining Faith and Basketball

John Jakus' initial mission was to blend his Christian faith with his passion for coaching basketball. As part of the staff of Athletes in Action, a sports ministry, Jakus was living in Macedonia, a region of Southeast Europe, with the goal of using the sport he loved to positively impact people's lives. "I kind of was taught from them what it meant to use basketball to change people's lives and not just make it transactional," Jakus recalled. "Instead, you make it transformational."

A Life-Changing Diagnosis

However, Jakus' plans were upended in 2011 when his middle child, Cal, was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3. The news was a profound shock, as the family was told that Cal may never speak. "Probably the most painful experience I have ever walked through with any of my kids," Jakus' wife, Sara, reflected. This diagnosis set the Jakus family on a new path, one that would ultimately lead John to his current position as the head coach at FAU.

Shifting Gears and Prioritizing Family

With Cal's needs taking center stage, the Jakus family made the decision to move back to the United States, where they could access the necessary resources and support for their son. John took a year-long sabbatical from coaching, a difficult but necessary step to ensure his family's well-being. "He would look at it that we shifted gears or moved in a different direction or stayed somewhere a little bit longer because it wasn't going to be the right thing for our family at that time," Sara said, highlighting John's unwavering commitment to his family.

Finding Opportunity in Adversity

The family's journey led them to Baylor University, where Cal could receive exceptional treatment at the school's renowned Autism Resource Clinic. This opportunity also allowed John to return to coaching, albeit as a graduate assistant, at the age of 37. "That was the best decision," Jakus said. "It gave (Sara) a home. It gave Cal therapy. Sara felt supported in that role for maybe the first time. And it gave her two years of peace of mind."

Mentorship and Opportunity

Jakus' time at Baylor proved to be a pivotal moment in his career, as he caught the attention of Gonzaga's head coach, Mark Few, who offered him a full-time position as the team's director of basketball operations. This role allowed Jakus to continue supporting his family's needs while also pursuing his coaching aspirations. "I felt like what I cared about overseas I could get at Gonzaga," Jakus said. "A third of the team was International. Cal could get what he needed, and I could still have the stuff I love as a part of my life."

Reaching the Pinnacle

Jakus' journey continued to soar, as he was part of the Gonzaga staff that reached the Final Four in 2017, ultimately losing to North Carolina in the championship game. Four years later, he was helping cut down the net after Baylor won the national title, defeating his former employer, Gonzaga, in the championship game. These experiences, under the tutelage of renowned coaches like Scott Drew and Mark Few, have undoubtedly shaped Jakus into the well-rounded and respected coach he is today.

Embracing the Challenge at FAU

Jakus' impressive resume and the support of his mentors led to his current position as the head coach of the Florida Atlantic University Owls. "The great thing is as good as a coach he is, he's even a better person," Drew said of Jakus. "He's tremendous with relationships, players love him. They play extremely hard for him. He really has no weaknesses. He can coach offense, coach defense. He can recruit. He can mentor."

A Family's Unwavering Support

Throughout Jakus' journey, his family has been a constant source of strength and inspiration. Cal, now 16 years old, has made remarkable progress in recent years, defying the initial prognosis. "I remember when he turned 12, 13, I thought, 'Man, this is kind of who he is,' " Jakus said. "I give my wife most of the credit, just not giving up, continuing to fight, find the right therapy and help. I mean, he's really, really changed and grown recently."The Jakus family's unwavering commitment to their son's well-being has been a driving force behind John's success. "We made all our decisions based on him," Jakus said. "Going to Baylor was him. Going to Gonzaga was him. Coming back to Baylor was him. And even (coming to FAU)."As John Jakus embarks on his new chapter as the head coach of the FAU Owls, his inspiring story serves as a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and the unwavering support of family. With his unique experiences and the lessons he's learned along the way, Jakus is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of his players and the FAU community.