Cougar Alumnus Owen Gray Receives National Make-A-Wish America Starblazer Award
University of Houston Class of 2023 Graduate Honored for Leadership, Service and Inspiring Others
HOUSTON, Texas — University of Houston alumnus Owen Gray (Class of 2023) has been named the recipient of The Monty Starblazer Award, one of Make-A-Wish America’s inaugural national Starblazer Awards, recognizing former wish recipients who have transformed their wish experiences into lives of leadership, service and community impact.
Selected from more than 400,000 Make-A-Wish alumni nationwide, Gray’s recognition highlights a remarkable journey marked by perseverance, purpose and a commitment to helping others.
A proud Cougar, Gray credits his University of Houston experience with helping him build upon a life-changing opportunity that began years earlier when Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast & Louisiana granted his wish to become ESPN College GameDay’s Celebrity Guest Picker.
What started as a childhood dream became a catalyst for his future.
Inspired by that experience, Gray enrolled at the University of Houston and earned his degree in Media Production and Sports Broadcasting in 2023. During his time on campus, he developed the skills, confidence and professional experience necessary to pursue a career in sports media.
Since graduation, Gray has worked alongside nationally recognized organizations including ESPN College GameDay, CBS Sports and Fox Sports while continuing to advocate for charitable causes throughout Texas.
“The University of Houston played a significant role in my journey,” Gray said. “UH challenged me to grow, helped me develop professionally and surrounded me with people who encouraged me to pursue opportunities that once seemed beyond reach.”
While Gray’s professional accomplishments have continued to expand, he remains deeply committed to serving others.
He serves as a volunteer, fundraiser, donor, advocate and ambassador for Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast & Louisiana, sharing his story with wish families, donors, students and community organizations. His commitment to service also includes involvement with the Marfan Foundation, the Isaiah Austin Foundation and Mike Barber Prison Ministries.
According to Make-A-Wish America, the Starblazer Awards recognize alumni whose lives demonstrate the lasting impact of a wish and whose actions continue to inspire and uplift others.
For Gray, the award reflects the collective support of family, friends, mentors and institutions that helped shape his life.
“As Cougars, we’re taught that success is about more than personal achievement,” Gray said. “It’s about using our talents, experiences and opportunities to make a difference. That mindset has stayed with me long after graduation.”
Gray hopes his story encourages current students and fellow alumni to embrace challenges, pursue their passions and look for opportunities to serve others.
From a young wish recipient facing adversity to a University of Houston graduate building a career in sports broadcasting and earning national recognition for community impact, Gray’s journey reflects the resilience, determination and spirit that define the Cougar community.
About Owen Gray
Owen Gray is a 2023 graduate of the University of Houston, sports broadcaster, speaker, volunteer and Make-A-Wish alumnus. He has worked with ESPN College GameDay, CBS Sports and Fox Sports and remains actively involved with Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast & Louisiana and numerous charitable organizations throughout Texas.
Media Contact:
Rod Gray
281-627-9578
rodwgray@hotmail.com
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