Fort Sam Houston ISD’s Cole High School got an unforgettable moment with a surprise Shaq visit as the NBA legend and local hero returned to his alma mater. As a San Antonio icon, he thrilled the crowd.
O’Neal was spotted visiting his alma mater in the Alamo City, Robert G. Cole Middle and High School on Joint Base San Antonio–Fort Sam Houston, having graduated from Cole High School in 1989.
O'Neal was in town for the Final Four. While visiting, he made time to stop by his former school.
A video posted to Reddit shows O’Neal walking into the gym. There, he was greeted by a cheering crowd of students and staff.
Before introducing him, school officials gave O’Neal time to interact with fans.
“Alright so, senior class of 2025, I want to point out a couple of things to you right there,” said Cole Principal Joseph Cerna, speaking to an audience of students. “When you look up on this wall, you see a green and white flag,” he added, pointing to the school’s 1989 basketball championship banner.
“Right under, you see the roster of that team. That’s the score from 1989. Shaquille O’Neal helped lead the Cole Cougars in a state championship game with a record of 36-0,” he added.
Cerna then passed the microphone to O’Neal, who had some words of advice for the students.
“Continue to listen to your parents (and) follow your dreams,” he said. “Everything is possible.”
Sources: Kens5 News, San Antonio Express News
Blog by: Jennifer Briscoe, Intern, UTSA