Lone Star College-Tomball Coach Selected to Lead Team Texas at 2026 Special Olympics USA Games
For Dr. Jarome Davis, every win is bigger than the scoreboard. As a job coach in the lifePATH® program at Lone Star College-Tomball and advisor for the campus’s Special Olympics College Club, his focus has always been on building confidence, community, and opportunity for neurodivergent students.
That same passion has now earned him a national spotlight.
Dr. Davis was recently selected to serve as the head basketball coach for Team Texas at the upcoming 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, to be held June 20–26 at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.
“I’m humbled and honored to have the unique opportunity to represent Lone Star College System at the USA Games in Minneapolis,” said Davis. “It’s something new for the system, and we’re excited to see the program grow.”
The USA Games are expected to bring together 3,000 athletes, 1,500 coaches, 10,000 volunteers, and more than 75,000 fans from across the country. For the Texas team, the experience will include dorm life and meals in a shared “Olympic Village” setting—an immersive, inclusive celebration of ability and achievement.
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From Louisiana to Lone Star Leadership
Dr. Davis’s educational journey spans two decades, beginning in Louisiana where he served as a teacher, bus driver, athletic director, and dean of students. He joined the Lone Star College System in 2023 and quickly made his mark at LSC-Tomball by stepping into a lifePATH® job coach role.
In this capacity, he helps neurodivergent students bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world employment—connecting them to internships and job placements that empower them to thrive independently.
But when Davis saw his students struggling with a deeper sense of belonging on campus, he took action.
In 2024, alongside lifePATH® Director Dr. Anne Ginnett, Davis co-founded the first Special Olympics College Club in the Lone Star College System. The club was created under the Unified Champion Schools format, which brings together students of all abilities to build relationships through sports, leadership, and shared experiences.
“Everybody on campus is on board. It’s not just for Special Olympics athletes; it’s for the whole school,” Davis said. “It has allowed our lifePATH® students to come out of their shells and has brought a lot of pride on behalf of Lone Star College System because they have been working hard to make the club what it is now.”
Since its inception, the club has competed in basketball, flag football, and Topgolf—bringing home medals in each event. Now in its second year, the team has added bowling to its lineup, with more sports on the horizon.
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A Community of Champions
Students in the program say the impact of Davis’s leadership goes far beyond competition.
“I love the teamwork, and I’m very happy that I’m having fun and have the chance to compete with other athletes from across Texas,” said Martha Vergara, a lifePATH® student and Special Olympics athlete at LSC-Tomball.
Currently, LSC-Tomball is one of only three higher education institutions in the Greater Houston area with an official Special Olympics delegation, and Davis hopes to grow that number. His long-term vision is to see a Special Olympics College Club launched on every campus in the Lone Star College System.
Special Olympics Texas serves over 58,800 individuals with intellectual disabilities across the state. Thanks to donor and volunteer support, all programming remains free for athletes and their families—promoting not just physical activity, but confidence, friendships, and inclusion.
Available at LSC-Tomball and LSC-Montgomery, the lifePATH® program is a post-secondary opportunity designed for neurodivergent students. It focuses on building self-determination, independence, and employability—ensuring students have the tools to lead meaningful lives beyond graduation.
“It’s not just about basketball. It’s about purpose, identity, and building a culture of respect,” said Davis.
With his sights now set on Minneapolis, Davis brings that same philosophy to the national arena—one where his athletes can shine, compete, and inspire others, just as they’ve done at home in Tomball.
Stay tuned with My Neighborhood News – Tomball for more updates on inspiring local stories, inclusive programs, and community achievements.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
