“On campus there is this sense of drive in the air that makes you want to be someone and accomplish something” – this ambition is what made Jahzara Ranger choose Michigan University as her college. And she didn’t take long to announce herself. Being the Big Ten Freshman of the Week twice, her 5 individual event titles have made her the Big Ten Gymnast to Watch in 2025.
Impressive is the way she has been versatile on the mat. Her 5 event titles breakup gives 1 on vault, 1 on floor, 2 on beam, and 1 in the all-around. Her quality is only matched by her mentality: “I can see the life lessons disguised as rips, falls and injuries that gymnastics has thrown my way…” Isn’t she an amazing personality? Makes you want to know what made her so mature and strong. Maybe she had no other choice but to be like this. Let’s get to know more about her and maybe we will get an answer.
Who is Jahzara Ranger’s father?
Jahzara’s father’s name is Kevin Ranger. Born on January 10, 1977, in St. Catherine, Jamaica, Jahzara’s father was the son of Raphael Ranger and Carol Williams. Not much is known about his childhood. He immigrated to the United States to find a better life. He knew how to enjoy the little things in life, like fishing, cooking, repairing his vehicles, etc., however, the man also knew the value of hard work.
Moving to America, he took up residence in Jesup, Georgia. He was a man known for looking out for his fellow men, be it friends or family. An employee of Pizza Inn for 13 years, he never slacked, and he never missed a day. He was so fond of what he was doing and his fellow mates, he truly was the model employee to look up to.
However, it was truly shocking and so disheartening, and nobody saw it coming – when Kevin Ranger left us so unexpectedly on February 26, 2023. He was just 46, so young. Yet, he was gone leaving us with his memories to carry on and to remember the bright light he was, wherever he went.
He is survived by his wife, and Jahzara’s mother, who loved him so much.
Who is Jahzara Ranger’s mother?
Nakisha Ranger is the mother of Jahzara Ranger and Kevin Ranger’s wife. She has been in Jahzara’s life, supporting her and showing how proud the Michigan freshman has made the family. Little Jahzara’s courage, determination, and mental strength, are the perfect guiding tools for her brothers and sisters. The 2025 Big Ten All-Freshman Team member was joined by her mother and her siblings when she was officially unveiled as a Wolverine in November 2023. Jahzara is the light her family is following.
As for Nakisha Ranger, she was born on February 28. Which made it so hard for her, when she got to know her husband of 18 years passed away just the day before in 2023. Inconsolable and sad, all she could say on Facebook was how the 5 kids and she would miss him. As Kavia, Jahzara, Jahi, Jahanara, and Jahnelle are being raised by their mother, we can also see it’s a learning curve for Nakisha Ranger herself.
In fact, we feel Jahzara herself has been a huge influence on her mother to start over; and live a new life as freshman Jahzara becomes the role model for the Ranger family. That’s why in June 2021, Nakisha Ranger enrolled herself in the Coastal Pines Technical College. It’s never too late. Maybe with a degree, and a recommendation, Nakisha Ranger can start her dream business or land her dream job, who knows? It’s perfect.
She doesn’t have her husband beside her. But she will have Jahzara to motivate her every step of the way.
What is Jahzara Ranger’s Parents’ nationality?
Jahzara Ranger’s father, Kevin Ranger, was Jamaican, as we mentioned. However, Nakisha Ranger’s nationality is not publicly available. We don’t know if she was born in America, or if she emigrated. But her brothers and her mother, Ann Marie Swaby, are in the USA. Incidentally, Ann-Marie Swaby is Jahzara’s official guardian.
But just to clear things out, Jahzara Ranger is an American citizen and with her trajectory, making the US Gymnastics team is definitely a possibility.
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