JA HAVENS
It’s the people that make the place.
And for Ja Havens it’s the people that have made Northeastern State University the right place to not only discover your dreams but also see those dreams come true.
What began as a student athlete playing college basketball, the current day head coach of the men’s basketball team has lived his dreams thanks to NSU and the Tahlequah community.
“I had a chance to play basketball for two unbelievably great men, Ken Hayes along with Larry Gipson. I knew that I wanted to get into coaching and coach Gipson was very helpful to me initially and still is to this day,” said Havens
At NSU Havens met another student athlete that would eventually become his wife, Angie Jaeger Havens.
“She’s my better half, and it’s not even close,” coach said with a smile. “Angie played basketball here and she has the same passion for NSU as me. It’s been a special place for both of us for sure.”
Ja and Angie are seeing the importance of the university and the Tahlequah community with their son Trey.
“He wanted to play baseball and coach Jake Hendrick gave him an opportunity to be part of arguably the best baseball team in school history,” Havens set with appreciation. “Trey is now playing his final year of college baseball and to see him enjoying the college experience the same way Angie and I did is truly special.”
Now in his fifth season as the RiverHawks head basketball coach, Havens is quick to share his passion for “his school” with recruits and their families.
“It definitely puts to rest the idea that a coach just says something to try to get their kid to come here because I know what NSU has done for Angie and me and Trey.”
The life story of Ja Havens makes it easy to understand why Northeastern State University is a special place.
“The Tahlequah community helps this university in so many ways because there are always people willing to help out,”Havens said in a voice of conviction and appreciation. “I speak from experience, my wife speaks from experience and hopefully my son would echo the same sentiment. You’re going to have a good experience, you’re going to be cared for and whatever goals you may have, there are people here at NSU to help you achieve your dreams.”
