Ethan Zohn, the professional soccer player and reality TV champion, is much more than that. Ethan captivated audiences with his integrity, resilience, and determination. Ethan’s philanthropic efforts have led to a successful career as a television personality and lecturer. He travels the world, inspiring audiences with his message about giving back and making an impact. He has been a host of programs like The MSG Soccer Report and the Fox Soccer Channel. His passion for sports and the environment is also evident in the eco-conscious travel show Earth Tripping. Ethan’s journey has inspired many others. As a Hodgkin Lymphoma survivor and one of Katie Couric’s Cancer Ambassadors, he shares his story and encourages others to embrace life with optimism and courage.
From Survivor Champion to Global Humanitarian
Zohn’s impact goes far beyond his win in “Survivor: Africa” in 2003. Zohn is the co-founder and director of Grassroot Soccer. This nonprofit uses soccer to teach African youth HIV/AIDS prevention. Grassroot Soccer, in collaboration with organisations such as the Gates Foundation and FIFA Futbol for Hope, has helped over 230,000 African Youths complete its HIV awareness program.
Zohn also works with programs in the United States. He is the national spokesperson for America Scores and promotes educational soccer programmes for inner-city children. He is also involved in many charitable organisations, including the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF), KickAIDS, Colon Cancer Alliance and Autism Speaks.
Ethan Zohn: Surviving Cancer
Ethan Zohn was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in April 2009. This rare and aggressive cancer took a dramatic turn. Fans who knew him as an athlete and humanitarian were shocked by the diagnosis. Zohn, determined to take on the challenge in the face, endured months-long intensive chemotherapy treatments to combat the disease. He chose to share his story with the public throughout his treatment to bring light to the reality of cancer. Zohn said, “I chose to tell my story in America.” I wanted to raise awareness about this disease and help find a solution. So I did as most people would do, and went to People Magazine. His courage and honesty resonated with many and turned his struggle into a powerful advocacy platform.
Zohn was appointed National Ambassador of the Lance Armstrong Livestrong Foundation and “Stand Up 2 Cancer”. He led a national fundraising and awareness campaign, “Survivors Stand Up 2 Cancer”, mobilising communities in the fight against cancer. After months of painful treatment, Zohn was able to receive the good news that he had been in remission. He lived a cancer-free life for 20 months. But in September 2011, his disease returned to his chest. In a renewed battle for survival, Zohn underwent stem cell transplants donated by his brother Lee. In an appearance on the Jeff Probst Show, Zohn finally declared victory over cancer. In reflecting on his journey, Zohn shared that “there were times when I was angry with the world, but I refocused anger to beat cancer.” It was also strangers’ willingness to run marathons or donate money for cancer research that saved my life.
Honouring Excellence in Sport Management
The Sport Management Department at SUNY Cortland organises this annual ceremony to highlight outstanding student achievements in multiple categories. The awards include the Outstanding Junior and Senior Honours as well as specialised recognitions like the Bogard scholarship, Excelsior Award and International Sport Management Award. Graduate distinctions include Wingate Scholarship and Graduate Service Award.
The Sport Management Department at SUNY Cortland has over 400 undergraduates and 100 graduates enrolled in business-based courses. It emphasises both academic excellence and hands-on learning. The annual awards ceremony reinforces this philosophy, recognising students who can combine classroom knowledge with practical application in a highly competitive industry.
Recognising Broadcasting Achievements
Numerous awards have been given to Zohn for his humanitarian work. Zohn has received numerous honours for his humanitarian efforts.
The broadcasting resume of Zohn is equally impressive. This fall, his eco-travel program, “Earth Tripping,” premieres on EquatorHD. It features eco-friendly adventures from around the world. He hosted “The MSG Soccer Report” on Madison Square Garden Network and “F.C. Fox” on Fox Soccer Channel. He has also worked as a soccer analyst and sideline commentator for Major League Soccer Radio (MLS), Major Indoor Soccer League Radio (MISL), and ESPN Radio.
From the Soccer Field to Global Advocacy
Zohn, originally from Lexington, Massachusetts, began his career on the soccer pitch. He graduated from Vassar College and played for the Highlanders FC of Zimbabwe, Cape Cod Crusaders of Massachusetts, as well as Hawaii Tsunami. He represented the U.S. at the Maccabiah Games in 1997 and 2001. He was assistant coach of the men’s and women’s soccer teams at Fairleigh Dickinson University from 1998 to 2002. He also served as the head coach of the U.S. squad for the 2003 Pan-American Maccabiah Games held in Santiago, Chile.
The journey of Zohn from athlete to TV personality to humanitarian around the world reflects on the transformative power that sport has.
Details of Community Support and Events
The SUNY Cortland Sport Management Club is supporting the 2009 Sport Management Awards ceremony, as are the Campus Artist and Lecture Series and Hampton Inn. This collaboration reflects the commitment of the university to bring world-class thought leaders and speakers to its students.
Ethan Zohn, the event’s director, will lead attendees through an evening of inspiration that combines sport, service and global citizenship.
Conclusion
Ethan Zohn is a man of exceptional resilience, compassion and purpose. Zohn’s story is one of extraordinary resilience, compassion, and purpose. From winning Africa Survivor to turning his million-dollar prize into a positive force, and from publicly fighting Hodgkin lymphoma to inspiring millions with his advocacy, Zohn shows that true strength does not lie in avoiding difficulties, but rather in transforming them into hope for others. He is a living example of the power, kindness and perseverance. His work with Grassroot Soccer and his cancer awareness campaigns are just a few examples. Ethan is an athlete, humanitarian and survivor who continues to inspire today.
