Tucker DeVries Joins YSS Ambassador Program

Drake University’s Tucker DeVries was announced as a YSS Ambassador Friday, the inaugural Drake athlete to represent the organization.

“We are extremely excited to have Tucker representing us as a YSS Ambassador,” said Andrew Allen, YSS president & CEO. “His prominence on the court and character off it align with our mission to create hope and opportunity by putting kids first. We are honored that he is our first ambassador from Drake.” 

The YSS Ambassador Program was established in 2022 and is excited to start this collaboration with the DU Great Collective. YSS creates opportunities for ambassadors to get involved throughout the year, allowing them to use their influence to bring awareness to the organization’s mission and support local youth and families.  

DeVries is coming off a spectacular sophomore season. He was named the Larry Bird Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Player of the Year after averaging 18.6 points per game and leading Drake to an MVC Tournament championship and an automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament. 

“I’m excited to be a part of the YSS family as an ambassador and am looking forward to being involved with the organization,” DeVries said. “I’m thrilled to be able to use my visibility in the community and on the Drake Campus to further the YSS mission to create hope and opportunity for kids in Central Iowa.” 

The DU Great Collective is a non-profit organization providing Drake University Basketball student-athletes with valuable Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) opportunities that strengthen the Bulldog community and uplift local charities. 

“The DU Great Collective selected YSS as one of our foundational charity partners because of the impact the organization makes with youth in the Central Iowa region,” said Kyle Mertz, director of the DU Great Collective. “The impact that YSS has on our local communities is incredible, and our student athletes have the unique platform to help promote, support and, give their time to further the mission of YSS. We are excited to partner with YSS.” 

DeVries’ first event as a YSS Ambassador will be the Summer Supply Drive on Saturday. Donors can support local community members by stopping by one of four locations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Fareway in West Des Moines (329 Grand Ave.) and Ames (619 Burnett Ave.) or Sam’s Club in Windsor Heights (1101 73rd St.) or Ames (305 Airport Road). DeVries will be at Fareway in West Des Moines. 

“Tucker is making an immediate, positive impact in his community,” Allen added. “The YSS Ambassador Program is great for our organization and is equally rewarding for the athletes to see first-hand the influence they have with youth and their families.”