Maur’Ziyah “Zi Zi” Bass

Maur’Ziyah “Zi Zi” Bass is a 13-year-old eighth-grade student at Ambassador Preparatory Academy in Galveston, Texas, and a longtime member of the RADL Track Club family.

Zi Zi’s connection to Coach Eddie Ray Jackson and RADL goes back almost her entire life. She has been with Coach Jackson since she was three years old and began competing at only four. Over the years, she has grown from one of RADL’s youngest athletes into a talented sprinter and jumper with the ability to make an impact across multiple events.

Her current personal bests include 13.18 seconds in the 100 meters, 15 feet, 8½ inches in the long jump, and 32 feet, 2½ inches in the triple jump. Her progression in the 100 meters is especially meaningful: she had already run 13.52 at age 10, and after battling through the ups and downs of competition, she has continued pushing forward.

At the 2026 AAU Region 11 Qualifier, Zi Zi finished second in the 13-year-old girls’ triple jump, helping earn her place among RADL’s regional qualifiers. Her goal now is to continue developing her speed and work her way into the low-12-second range in the 100 meters.

For Coach Jackson, Zi Zi is more than an athlete. She is like a granddaughter — one of “Paw Paw’s babies.” Their bond has been built through years of practices, meets, victories, setbacks, growth, and perseverance.

Personal Bests

Event	Personal Best
100 meters	13.18 seconds
Long jump	15 feet, 8½ inches
Triple jump	32 feet, 2½ inches

Coach Jackson’s Perspective

“Zi Zi has been with me since she was three years old and competing since she was four. She is like a granddaughter to me — one of Paw Paw’s babies. I have watched her grow up in this sport, and I know what she is capable of.

She has been through a lot, but she keeps coming back. I believe this next chapter is going to show people the athlete she really is. If she stays healthy, focused, and committed to the work, I am expecting some ridiculous times from her in 2027.”

— Coach Eddie Jackson, RADL Track Club

Athlete Spotlight