In an exclusive press release with DistinXion, A Zeller Family Program, Cody Zeller shares his decision regarding college, basketball, and college basketball. Zeller also shares comments about his teammates, coaches, his academic experience, and his involvement with his family’s non-profit organization. Check out his full statement below!

“Two years ago, I made one of the best decisions of my life to attend and play basketball at Indiana University. My experience here at IU has been unforgettable and has surpassed my expectations, making me even more confident that I made the best college decision.  Attending and playing basketball for IU not only fulfilled my collegiate dreams, but it also has provided me with the opportunity to fulfill my lifelong goal of playing in the NBA. While I will continue to pursue my degree in the future, I believe it is in my best interest to pursue my professional basketball career in the NBA next season.

This decision was a difficult one, because I have met so many people in the last couple years that have made a positive impact on my life.  When I initially made my college decision, the players and coaches were the top factors in choosing IU. And now, looking back on my college experience, these are the same people that have made my experience enjoyable and successful. I am so grateful for the life-long friendships that I’ve found and I know they will continue to get stronger in the future.

Another big factor in choosing Indiana University was the first-class academics of the Kelley School of Business. After experiencing the professionalism and excellent teaching of the professors, I now understand why this program is so highly regarded around the world. While the classes are challenging, I’ve always considered academics to be a high priority and will continue to be held to a higher standard by completing my degree through the Kelley School of Business. Earning a college degree is not only important to me personally, but it is also one of my goals, professionally.

Along with my basketball and academic experiences at IU, I’m also thankful for the Hoosier fans and all of their support. Hoosier Nation has the absolute best, most loyal fans of any team across the country.  Some of my favorite college memories will always be playing at Assembly Hall in front of the country’s loudest student section. Thank you, Hoosier Fans, for all your unconditional love and support over the last two years!

While I’ve loved playing college basketball, NCAA regulations have restricted me from actively participating in and endorsing my family’s non-profit organization that uses elite basketball training to teach character values and to build family relationships.  My family founded DistinXion, a Zeller Family Program four years ago with the goal of making a positive impact on future athletes and their families.  My family and I have been given many opportunities and want to give back to our community through this program.  While I’ve only been able to volunteer at camps, I’m looking forward to being able to be more involved with this organization and would like to take this first opportunity to endorse DistinXion and recommend the camps and other programs to those interested.  DistinXion is a first-class company, founded on the same character and strong values that we teach through our programs and camps.

Over the past two years, Indiana University, my teammates and coaches, and the fans, have made my college experience better than I could have ever imagined.  I have truly loved wearing the candy striped pants and I will forever be proud to call myself a Hoosier.”

At DistinXion, we want to empower others physically and relationally.  In order to make this happen, it is essential that we have an incredibly passionate and dedicated staff.  Thankfully, we have been blessed with an amazing team that desires to pour its talents back into others.  We’d like you to meet one such member of our team, Erika Hunt.

Q:  Why did you choose to work with DXN?
A:  DistinXion perfectly combines the things I am passionate about–cheerleading, basketball, marketing, and ministry. The people I work with are amazing and I view each of them as family!  The path I traveled to get to DistinXion is one that only God could have orchestrated.  Ask me about it sometime, I love telling the story!

Q:  How long have you worked with DXN?
A:  I started as an intern with DXN in May 2012, became an official employee in September 2012, and I’m still here!

Q:  What do you love most about DXN?
A:  I love having the opportunity to make a difference each day and to serve alongside people with such giving and selfless hearts.

Q:  How has DXN impacted you?
A:  DXN is my first “big girl job.”  Therefore, it would take me pages and pages to explain how much DXN has impacted me!  Yet, one thing I am learning is how to live a balanced life in a world that is often cluttered by our busy schedules.  I am no way a pro at balancing a schedule but it is definitely a work in progress.

Q:  Where do/did you attend college?
A:  I graduated from Butler University in 2012.  Go Bulldogs!!  I’m also currently pursuing a master’s degree in Sport Management from Indiana University.

Q:  Favorite personal cheerleading event/moment?
A:  As a Butler cheerleader, I was blessed to be able to cheer on the court in Back-to-Back Final Four appearances for the Bulldogs in 2010 and 2011. What a shame we came up short two times! But, hey, my once in a lifetime experience was turned into a twice in a lifetime experience and I have so many awesome memories from those magical tournament runs!

Q:  Favorite food?
A:  All kinds of fruit, especially strawberries!  When I was a little girl, I loved them so much that I used to call them my “strawbabies”. 

Q:  If you could meet anyone (living or dead) who would it be?
A:  Well, obvious answer is I would want to meet Jesus! But, I would also really like to meet Tim Tebow!  I am not ashamed to admit that I have a healthy addiction to TT. Yes, we are even on nickname level!

Q:  Favorite book?
A:  The Bible for teaching, reproof, correction, and training AND “Every Storm” by Lori Wick for pleasure.

Q:  When did you begin cheering?
A:  I was first on a cheerleading squad in 6th grade, but I started gymnastics classes when I was 6 years old.

Q:  If you could be any fictional character, whom would you choose?
A:  Cinderella because bibbidi-bobbidi-boo and you are a princess for the evening with Prince Charming!

Q:  Favorite musician?
A:  I listen to Country and Christian music!  I enjoy artists from Taylor Swift, Jason Aldean, and Lady Antebellum to Hillsong United, Chris Tomlin, and Jesus Culture.

Q:  In the animal kingdom, which animal would you be?
A:  I’d like to think I am wise like an owl.

Q:  If you could tell a cheerleader or coach that may be interested in coming to DXN Cheer Camp anything, what would it be
A:  DXN cheerleading camps are able to impact cheerleading squads through the improvement of their cheerleading skills and, more importantly, through the development of character qualities that will carry on in the cheerleaders’ lives forever.  None of us can physically be competitive athletes forever, but our character is one part of our lives that will have an eternal impact!  DXN cheerleading camps are jam-packed with fun, laughter, and smiles!

Q:  Favorite restaurant?
A:  Paradise Bakery in Indianapolis — definitely my college spot!

Q:  Favorite Bible verse?
A:  Philippians 4:6-7  ”Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Q:  Role model?
A:  Hands down, my parents are the biggest role models in my life.  I am so thankful for their love, support, and guidance.  I look to their solid Christian examples each day!

Q:  Favorite quote?
A:  “Go make a difference today!”  - Michael Hunt, my dad