East Michigan News

Their sister's legacy continues to influence Central Michigan University basketball players Jakobi and Quentin Heady, a decade after her tragic passing. The brothers often speak of Shannise Heady, a former Eastern Michigan University women's basketball player, in the present tense, reflecting her lasting impact.

"She's my sister, she has a big heart, she's loving," said Jakobi Heady. "When you say Shannise Heady, you think of work ethic."

Jakobi plans to honor his late sister by wearing her No. 32 jersey during CMU's game against Eastern Michigan on January 14th at McGuirk Arena.

Shannise Heady passed away in a car accident in January 2015 during her junior season at Eastern Michigan. At that time, Jakobi and Quentin were living with their family in suburban Chicago.

"It didn't hit me at first," Quentin said about learning of his sister's death. "You don't even know what death actually means."

Athletics played a significant role in the Heady family. Their father Lawrence played college basketball, and their mother Jannise Rife also played at the collegiate level. Shannise was known for being both supportive and demanding with her younger brothers.

"She was a protector," Jakobi said. "She wouldn't allow anything to happen to us; that's the kind of person she was."

Both brothers remember their sister fondly as someone who pushed them hard in basketball while also providing love and support.

Quentin remarked on Shannise's tough love approach: "She wasn't nice... She wanted us to be so good at basketball; she was training us so hard."

Jakobi echoed these sentiments: "She pushed us... She made you do it."

The brothers transferred to CMU this season—Jakobi from Bethune-Cookman and Quentin from South Suburban Community College—and are playing together on an organized team for the first time outside AAU ball.

On Tuesday, with their parents attending the game, Shannise will be foremost in their thoughts as they play with her memory close to heart.

"It's a cliché, but it means the world," Jakobi said about wearing No. 32. "I'm really thankful. This opportunity means a lot."