“Kick Artist”, read the emblem above 8-year old Lance Holtzclaw heart.  Learning and competing in Taekwondo, the University of Washington edge rusher earned that recognition at the YMCA Dorchester, Massachusetts facility, south of Boston.

“Kick artist emblem isn’t an award or recognition but something that everyone wore and was who we were  as a result of our training,” Holtzclaw informed.

These days where the Kick Artist emblem once held the spot above the Washington sophomore edge rusher’s heart, the Adidas logo is affixed to his Husky jersey on Saturdays in the fall.

But the “Y” has given him his “why”—his calling in life and youth program remains near and dear to his heart.

In a full-circle moment Holtzclaw will be at the Shake Shack in University Village raising funds for the Seattle-area YMCA in an NIL deal.  (Story continues below tweet)

Note: full details in the below tweet.

“This deal being is focused on giving back to the community of Seattle,” the Washington edge rusher said.  “I was asked to choose which organization I wanted the proceeds to go to.”

It was a no-brainer decision for Holtzclaw to choose the YMCA as the benefactor.

“Growing up I used to be involved in summer camp programs, taekwondo, basketball, and swimming at the YMCA,” Holtzclaw recalled.

From ages 7 through 10 he was involved in Taekwondo, winning several awards.  He has always appreciated the impact that the YMCA community had on his life and has sought ways to repay the organization.

”I returned as a camp counselor and volunteered in other areas within the YMCA of my city in Boston,” he said.

And he continues to honor those who have had a lasting impact on his life.

”I appreciate the YMCA for giving me that opportunity as a kid so I’d love to give back to them and help these kids out here,” he said.

At the YMCA in Rochester, south of Boston, he spent much of his childhood.  It is also the spot of his first dunk, in 8th grade.

“The Dorchester YMCA was and still is, a place where kids go to have fun, stay active, and stay out of trouble,” Holtzclaw said.  “In the inner city trouble can easily find you.”

The funds from his appearance at Shake Shack will find ways to help many at-risk youths in the greater Seattle-area.

Husky Hall of Fame running back Greg Lewis, the Associate Vice President of Operations and District Executive for the YMCA’s Seattle region, will put the money to good use.

“Last year 2,488 youth attended Before and After-School Enrichment programs and 3,606 attended summer day camp 10,900 youth attended outdoor experiences at Camp Orkila, Camp Colman, BOLD & GOLD, and YMCA Earth Service Corp 5,623 students participated in the Y’s outdoor education program as part of the WA-state standards and developing future stewards of the environment,” said Lewis.

“Additionally, 652,849 meals and snacks distributed through Hunger Initiatives.  1,953 young people participated in housing services and 1,317 participants were served in young adult services.  A further  3,097 participants were provided behavioral health services,” Lewis informed.

Under Lewis, the Seattle branch of the non-profit had success in many other areas where it enriches lives.

—72-percent of its enrolled youth in employment programs obtained employment

—794 youth were served in foster care services

—87-percent of foster care youth in transition to adulthood obtained stable housing.

Recruited by Jimmy Lake, Lance was signed by Kalen DeBoer and will play for Jedd Fisch next season.

Along the way Holtzclaw picked up the nickname “Showtime”.  Now a sophomore edge rusher never thought about leaving the program.

With Bralen Trice and Zion Tupuola-Fetui off to the NFL he’s primed for an even bigger role in 2024.

He played in 11 of 15 games last season, recording his first career sack in the Apple Cup, dropping Cougar QB Cam Ward with a vicious tackle in the 3rd quarter.

Against the Cougars, Showtime showed that he was ready for Prime Time.

”He had WSU’s launch code because he was on Ward before Ward knew what happened,” recalled RealDawg’s Trevor Mueller.  “It was a 9-yard loss forced the Cougars to punt.  Such a big moment.”

Even with that big moment, and his star on the rise, Holtzclaw remains humble.

“I’ve been working with Shake Shack on the deal for a few weeks now,” he said.  “We’ve been planning out the event and the donations.”

Since the original Shake Shack opened in 2004 in New York City’s Madison Square Park, the Company has expanded to over 330 locations in the US alone andas 510 locations system-wide with international locations across London, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Mexico City, Istanbul, Dubai, Tokyo, Seoul and more.

Around the same time that Shake Shack first opened its doors, 217 miles northeast found himself at the Dorchester YMCA.

Holtzclaw has other NIL deals in the works, but he’s selective, ensuring that it’s not just about money but about creating a long-lasting impact whenever possible.

“It’s been a heart-warming process and I can’t wait to be out there and make something great happen for Shake Shack, the YMCA, and myself,” he said.

Between the two organizations he’s having two full-circle moments.

“To have an international national brand like Shake Shack trust me to represent them is such a cool opportunity that I didn’t want to pass up,” he said.

He’s also a customer.

“I already actually eat there and now I’m actually partnering with them to do something so great and impactful for the city through theirs and my own platform is an opportunity I couldn’t say no to,” he said.

The opportunity was brought to Holtzclaw by Director of Football NIL, Maya Bulger.

“She informed me about the opportunity and I told her I was interested in working with them,” he recalled.

Shortly after Shake Shack chose him  as their “Stand For Something Good” February Athlete of The Month for UW.

Again, in a full circle moment, Lewis who received the Doak Walker award as the nation’s top running back in 1990, will gladly accept the funds on behalf of the children in the city he grew up in.

“As a former Husky football player I am both proud, and grateful for Lance’s support of The YMCA of Greater Seattle,” Lewis stated.  “We all know kids need a place to belong and to help them achieve their goals. The “Y” In Dorchester helped Lance and he is paying it back by helping kids in Seattle.”