Derek Jeter Pays Tribute to Former Jeter’s Leaders Alumna After Her Tragic Passing

This week, a moving homage to one of baseball’s most famous players made social media go quiet. Derek Jeter, a five-time World Series champion, took a moment to honor someone outside of baseball with a simple, understated re-share on Instagram. It was a touching reminder that his legacy goes beyond hits and home runs.

This gesture was significant due to Derek Jeter’s Turn-2 Foundation. Founded in 1996, the organization has invested over $45 million in programs in New York, West Michigan, and Tampa. It focuses on leadership, academics, positive behavior, and social change. It runs several programs, one of which is ”Jeter Leaders Alumni.” It’s a four-year leadership program that encourages high school students from New York City and West Michigan to promote healthy lifestyles, academic performance, and community involvement. And sadly, one of the alumna of the 2014 Jeter’s Leaders class has just passed away.

Derek Jeter paid an emotional tribute after the news of her tragic death spread among the foundation’s family, leaving everyone somber. He re-shared the post on his Instagram story. However, the post was initially shared on Derek Jeter’s Turn-2 Foundation page. The caption read, “We’re deeply saddened by the tragic passing of 2014 Jeter’s Leader alumna, Cristine Gonzalez. Our hearts are with her family, friends, and all who knew and loved her. As we honor Cristine, we reflect on the difference she made through Jeter’s Leaders and beyond — and hold close the many cherished memories we shared with her.”

Jeter and the Turn 2 Foundation didn’t say what caused Cristine’s passing when they shared the news. They respected the family’s privacy. Instead, they chose to honor her spirit.

Cristine’s influence was profound because of her unassuming brilliance and unwavering dedication. Like every other student from this program. She succeeded academically, personally, and professionally as a Jeter’s Leaders graduate, demonstrating the program’s purpose of cultivating student-leaders. Reposting the story shows how personal and public responsibilities may come together to honor one life and inspire many more.

The Turn 2 Foundation provides various programs. That includes an enrichment initiative for young children in New York City primary schools. This program focuses on mental health, mindfulness, anti-bullying, and healthy living, partnering with New York-Presbyterian to build emotional resilience and social skills.

Additionally, the foundation hosts an annual Social Change Project. Under this, Jeter’s Leaders travel to locations like Washington, D.C., to engage in community service activities.

The Leadership Summit also holds a national conference for students twice a year. At this conference, students plan seminars, panels with Derek Jeter and civic leaders, and service projects. These events let students network, work together, and find answers to problems that affect teens. And not only this, but recently the foundation, along with MLB, hosted a great Play Ball event.

“Play Ball” with purpose: Derek Jeter’s Turn 2 and MLB host 150 youth in Kalamazoo

About 150 young faces came to Kalamazoo Central High School this Wednesday to join Derek Jeter’s Turn 2 Foundation and MLB for a Play Ball clinic on the field. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., kids from local groups moved around to different stations to learn the basics of tracking fly balls, fielding, baserunning, and hitting. High school volunteers from the Jeter’s Leaders program led the kids through these activities.

Everyone who came got a free bat-and-ball set and a Play Ball T-shirt to remember the event. They also got the tools they needed to keep playing at home and build on the confidence they got from the event.

Jeter’s Leaders—Turn 2 high school ambassadors educated in leadership and service—were among the teachers. These students helped the clinic by showing younger kids how to do drills, which helped them learn about two of the program’s main goals: becoming good citizens and giving back to the community.

Sharlee Jeter, the president of the Turn 2 Foundation, and David James, the vice president of Major League Baseball, were the special guests. It’s a great initiative for these youngsters to get a chance to play baseball. A great initiative indeed!