Family of Late Maryland Football Player Isaiah Hazel Launches Foundation, Awards First Scholarship to Terps Walk-On
6/26/2026 4:30:00 PM | Football
COLLEGE PARK, MD – Aaron and Brenda Hazel, parents of former University of Maryland football player Isaiah Hazel, officially launched the Isaiah Lee Hazel Foundation on Friday alongside the University of Maryland and Coach Michael Locksley's The Best is Ahead Foundation.
Created in Hazel's memory after his tragic passing alongside close friends Khyree Jackson and Anthony Lytton, Jr., the Isaiah Lee Hazel Foundation is dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for young people through scholarships and financial support.
During the launch event at the Terrapins' Jones-Hill House, the foundation awarded its first Isaiah Lee Hazel Memorial Scholarship to Maryland football walk-on, Joshua Simmons, to help cover meal expenses throughout the school year—a meaningful tribute to Hazel, who proudly wore the Maryland uniform himself.
Out of love for our son and the way he brought people together, we're turning our pain into purpose, said Hazel's mother, Brenda. Isaiah's joy and kindness impacted so many people, and we wanted to create something that continues helping others in his name.
Head football coach Michael Locksley's The Best is Ahead Foundation also presented a donation to the Isaiah Lee Hazel Foundation in support of its mission to provide scholarships to students facing financial barriers and learning differences.
Isaiah was one of my first recruits at Maryland, and from the moment he arrived, you could feel the energy he brought to the program. What his family is building through this foundation is a powerful reflection of who Isaiah was, and we're proud to support their mission, said Locksley.
Isaiah was the kind of person who wanted to help everybody, said Hazel's father, Aaron. We are so grateful for Coach Locksley's and Maryland's support so we can further Isaiah's impact on others.
About the Isaiah Lee Hazel Foundation
The Isaiah Lee Hazel Foundation provides scholarships and financial support to students facing financial barriers and learning differences. The foundation was founded in 2026 by Aaron and Brenda Hazel in honor of their son, former University of Maryland football player Isaiah Hazel, who passed away in a tragic car accident in 2024 alongside his close friends Khyree Jackson and Anthony Lytton, Jr. In Hazel's name, the foundation works to expand educational opportunities and empower students to pursue their dreams. Learn more at isaiahleehazelfoundation.org.
