ST. AUGUSTINE – An inspirational speaker with a moving message captivated the hearts and minds of Flagler College's student-athletes last week.

On Thursday, Jan. 23, in the latest installment of the Flagler College Athletics Speaker Event, University of Florida men's basketball legend, former professional athlete, and current ESPN and SEC Network analyst Patric Young addressed a capacity crowd in Lewis Auditorium, delivering a stirring message centered on gratitude, making a difference, and his unwavering faith.

Young spoke to the over 450 attendees for an hour – then graciously stayed to meet and greet student-athletes for another – leaving everyone encouraged and galvanized ahead of a busy spring semester.

"We are deeply grateful to Patric for taking the time to be with us on Thursday evening and for inspiring us with his powerful message," said Jud Damon, Flagler College Director of Athletics. "It was an evening that will not be forgotten by our student-athletes, staff, and all in attendance."

"Patric's message of faith and perseverance captured the hearts of all present and was witness to what can be accomplished, even in life's greatest tragedies," said Joey Wiles, Flagler's Senior Associate Director of Athletics for External Operations, who coordinated the event.

Young's story is well-known to many in the Sunshine State.

An alum of The Providence School in Jacksonville where he was a McDonald's and Parade All-American, Young played college basketball for legendary coach Billy Donovan at the University of Florida from 2010-2014.

He never missed a game in his collegiate career, becoming just the 11th player in program history to eclipse 1,300 points and 800 rebounds. Young was tabbed an Associated Press (AP) All-American and Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Year as a senior.

He was named an SEC Scholar Athlete of the Year three times – the first in the history of the league to do so – claiming the honor in 2012, 2013, and 2014.

He bounced around with several NBA franchises during summer leagues in 2014 and 2015 before embarking on a six-year professional career oversees with various clubs in Italy, Greece, and Israel. Upon retiring from the game, Young was hired by ESPN in 2021 to serve as a studio host for the SEC Network's college basketball coverage.

But a single-car crash in 2022 – 10 days before his wedding – permanently altered Young's life. Young was paralyzed from the waist down. The towering 6-foot-10 athlete now requires the use of a wheelchair.

But that hasn't deterred him from impacting others.

Four months after his accident, Young founded the PY4Foundation, which works to help those facing life-altering injuries by providing financial, emotional, and physical support.

He authored "Sit to Rise," which includes a foreword by his former coach Donovan, as not only a memoir of his personal experience with tragedy, but, as eloquently stated by Amazon's book review, "a testament to the indomitable human spirit, the importance of perseverance, and the boundless possibilities that exist when we embrace humility and rise with purpose."

He now speaks to young people across the country about his story, all while working and traveling full-time as an SEC Network analyst and commentator.

His calling as a motivational speaker is what led him to Lewis Auditorium last week, where he encouraged Flagler College's student-athletes, coaches, and staff to search for purpose, think about what you have and not what you don't, to make a difference where you are, and to practice gratitude.

Young offered his testimony and how his faith in God walks him through his darkest days.

"Patric encouraged our student-athletes to give their best in all that they do and his strong Christian faith shone through as he reminded everyone to be thankful daily for the many blessings that we often take for granted," Damon said.

You can learn more about the PY4Foundation and its mission, vision, events, programs, and ways to donate by visiting www.py4foundation.org.