In the first premiere episode of Loaded Bases, co-curator and host Jaquial Durham sits down with Javis Austin, a Clemson University running back and former Daniel High School football standout, for a powerful and deeply personal conversation about legacy, resilience, and community.

Javis Austin was one of the most celebrated high school running backs in South Carolina history, rushing for over 5,000 yards at Daniel High School in 1992-1996 and becoming a local legend in the City of Clemson and Central, South Carolina. In 1996, Austin went to Clemson University to play, where his journey included both athletic success and life-altering challenges.

In this episode, Javis reflects on his rise as a hometown hero, the pressures of high-level college athletics, and his path toward healing, growth, and purpose beyond the game. His story is one of perseverance, faith, and redefining success after football.

Recorded in partnership with the Clemson Area African American Museum & For the Love of Community, Inc., this episode connects Daniel High School’s rich athletic legacy with broader conversations about mental health, identity, and the power of community support. This conversation is part of the larger Sincerely, Daniel Sports Exhibition, which honors Black athletes, preserves local sports history, and builds bridges between past, present, and future generations in the Upstate.