Who is Sharlee, the woman driving Derek Jeter’s legacy beyond baseball?

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Just like her renowned older brother, Derek Jeter, Sharlee Jeter has established herself as a star athlete.

Growing up in Kalamazoo, Michigan, baseball ran deep in the Jeter family’s veins. While Derek is celebrated as one of the all-time great New York Yankee players, their father, Sanderson Charles Jeter, also had a history in baseball, and Sharlee, his younger sister, displayed remarkable prowess as a high school softball player.

Although she once aspired to compete in the Olympics, the weight of living in her brother’s shadow became increasingly frustrating, prompting her to alter her plans. However, it’s important to note that this adjustment didn’t sour their relationship—rather, the Jeter siblings share an exceptionally close bond. They steadfastly support one another, both publicly and privately, a bond that was especially evident during Sharlee’s battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma when she was a 21-year-old senior at Spelman College in Atlanta.

Today, Sharlee occupies influential roles within several of Derek’s enterprises. She serves as the president of his non-profit organization, the Turn 2 Foundation, holds the position of VP of Strategy & Development at Jeter Ventures, and oversees the children’s and adult divisions of Jeter Publishing.

In a caption accompanying a photo taken at the Turn 2 Gala in October 2022, Sharlee expressed her unwavering support for Derek Jeter. She thanked him for entrusting her with one of his significant achievements and acknowledged his substantial contributions to many individuals through the Turn 2 Foundation. Sharlee conveyed her honor at being a part of this initiative.

Furthermore, she shares authorship credit for the book titled “The Stuff: Unleash Your Potential to Conquer Adversity, Soar, and Achieve Success,” which delves into the narratives of individuals triumphing over adversity—a theme intimately familiar to Sharlee, who conquered cancer during her early adulthood.

In 2018, she shared with the New York Post that she had transformed a highly challenging situation into a source of pride. She described how she had taken a cancer diagnosis and turned it into a personal badge of honor. She expressed her determination to make her battle with cancer a unique and separate journey from Derek’s, emphasizing that she wanted to be recognized for overcoming it on her own terms.

Curious about the identity of Derek Jeter’s sibling? Let’s dive into the comprehensive profile of Sharlee Jeter.

She is a Michigan native

Sharlee Jeter, the younger child born to Dorothy and Sanderson Jeter in 1979, had a distinctly Michigan upbringing, in contrast to her brother’s New Jersey roots.

Her formative years were marked by a strong connection to America’s favorite pastime. The Jeter family resided right next to the softball and baseball complex of Kalamazoo Central High School, where she graduated in 1997. The commitment to hard work was a hallmark of their upbringing, evident in the annual ritual of signing handwritten contracts at the start of each school year, outlining their study habits, expected academic achievements, and curfew schedules. Sharlee emphasized the profound influence of her father, a counselor specializing in drug and alcohol abuse, and her mother, an accountant, who instilled values of diligence, education, and community service in both Derek and herself.

Following her time at Kalamazoo Central, Sharlee pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics, which she earned from Spelman College in Atlanta in 2001.

She was also a ball player

Derek Jeter isn’t the sole member of the Jeter clan with baseball prowess!

Similar to Derek, Sharlee held her own as a shortstop, showcasing her skills during her high school years. In fact, in 2001, a New York Times report indicated that Derek regarded his sister as the most accomplished shortstop within the family.

The Jeter household embraced a collective dedication to the sport, engaging in joint conditioning routines that involved evening walks and skill-enhancing practice sessions.

In 1999, she mentioned to the Westchester Journal News that while some people sought entertainment at the movies for enjoyment, she and Derek found their enjoyment by going to the baseball field. She explained that this shared experience was a way for them to bond and stay close to each other.

Sharlee harbored aspirations of enrolling at the University of Michigan and vying for a spot in the Olympics. However, the burden of constant comparisons to Derek weighed heavily on her, leading her to adjust her aspirations.

According to the New York Times, she had mentioned that Derek did not carry the same burden or shadow that she had to deal with every day of her life.

She is a cancer survivor

In November 2001, Sharlee received a diagnosis of Hodgkin’s lymphoma while she was in her senior year at Spelman College.

Following this diagnosis, her parents, who had relocated to Northern New Jersey—Dorothy’s hometown, had concerns about her well-being. However, Sharlee managed to persuade them that she could continue her studies in Georgia while undergoing treatment in New York City. Over a span of six months, she endured the grueling regimen of chemotherapy, making the arduous journey between Atlanta and Newark, New Jersey, every fortnight. Although she couldn’t participate in the graduation ceremony with her fellow classmates in May 2001, she achieved her goal just a few months later, officially graduating that December.

In 2018, when speaking to mlive.com, Sharlee conveyed her determination not to let something disrupt her life completely. She attributed her ability to cope to her youth, describing it as a time when she was fearless and resolute in her decision not to return home.

Throughout Sharlee’s treatment journey, the Jeter family maintained a veil of privacy around her battle with cancer. It wasn’t until May 2001, when she achieved remission, that Derek chose to disclose the news, deeming it a success story at that point.

Derek shared with the Times that their family was not exempt from the challenges of society, and they never anticipated experiencing something like what they went through. He acknowledged that it was a situation they had to address, and thankfully, it had come to an end.

He also emphasized that the ordeal was more challenging for Sharlee, emphasizing that they didn’t want to downplay the difficulty he faced. Derek highlighted that she was the one who had to endure the most during that time.

During a 2018 interview with Today, Sharlee described Derek’s response to her cancer diagnosis as typical of “any older brother.”

According to Sharlee, Derek appeared calm and supportive when dealing with her directly. However, she noted that behind the scenes, he would contact her parents and his tone would change. He would inquire about what happened during her doctor’s visits and seemed more shaken up than he let on when interacting with her.

She is a baseball mom

Sharlee is a devoted single mother to her son, Jalen Jeter-Martin, who is her child with DJ Premier. She is raising Jalen in New Jersey with care and dedication.

Following in the footsteps of his mother, uncle, and grandfather, Jalen is carving his own path as a baseball player. Sharlee proudly showcases images of Jalen’s athletic achievements, such as his participation on the Northeast Stripes USA Baseball team and his remarkable MVP title at the 2023 Ripken Tournament. Moreover, Jalen has had the delightful opportunity to share enjoyable baseball experiences with his renowned uncle.

It’s no surprise that Jalen is an ardent Yankees enthusiast, as the family’s enduring love for the pinstripes was instilled by Dorothy. In October 2022, during a rain delay, Jalen eagerly visited his uncle’s exhibit at the Yankee Museum, a moment brimming with excitement and nostalgia.

Sharlee shared on Instagram that Jalen felt a sense of pride when he saw Derek’s photo on the wall. She mentioned that from a very young age, Jalen’s excitement didn’t come from toy stores or receiving candy but rather from his love for the Yankees, which continues to this day.

She is very close with her brother

Derek and Sharlee share an exceptionally close sibling bond, often engaging in conversations up to five times a day, as reported by the New York Times.

In a poignant moment of recognition, Derek received an honor from his high school alma mater in 1996, during which Sharlee delivered a heartfelt speech. Her words moved Derek to tears as she referred to him as a hero and expressed gratitude for his unwavering honesty and support. This poignant speech remains framed above his desk at his residence in Tampa, a constant reminder of their enduring connection.

Additionally, Sharlee has expressed her affection for Derek through heartfelt shoutouts on her Instagram account.

In honor of Derek’s 48th birthday in 2022, Sharlee expressed her gratitude for him, mentioning that he didn’t harm her when they were younger and taught her valuable lessons as they grew older. She also thanked him for being her best friend and an exceptional uncle to Jalen.

She has accompanied her brother to various glamorous occasions, gracing the red carpet alongside him. These events include the Tribeca Film Festival screening of “The Captain,” the 2017 Derek Jeter Celebrity Invitational gala, and the 2015 ESPY Awards.

She is the president of Derek Jeter’s non-profit foundation

Since 2010, Sharlee has held the role of president at the Turn 2 Foundation.

Founded in 1996 by her brother Derek and their father, Sanderson, the Turn 2 Foundation is dedicated to combatting substance abuse among both teenagers and adults, promoting healthy lifestyles, celebrating academic achievements, and fostering leadership development. The foundation operates in West Michigan, New York City, and Tampa, Florida, with Sanderson serving as vice chairman and their mother, Dorothy, fulfilling the role of board treasurer. Over the years, the non-profit has generously contributed over $30 million to support its programs and provide financial assistance to various organizations.

Sharlee’s involvement with the foundation dates back to her high school years when she started as a volunteer in 1996. She swiftly rose through the ranks, earning a position on the Board of Directors at the age of 18. By 2002, she had assumed the role of full-time program director, progressing to director of development two years later and eventually attaining the title of vice president in 2007. Her dedication and contributions were acknowledged when she received the Jackie Robinson Foundation Chairman’s Award in 2015. In 2021, she was also honored as one of Crain’s New York Business’ Notable Black Leaders and Executives.

In a notable development in 2023, Sharlee returned to Kalamazoo to participate in the groundbreaking ceremony for a new baseball and softball complex, set to be renamed Derek Jeter Field, at the high school where both she and her brother once attended.

Sharlee explained that the project was a fantastic opportunity for the children to have an excellent playing environment and to gain valuable life lessons. She also mentioned that the fields were where both she and Derek had learned numerous life lessons from their parents.

In addition to her role as the president of the Turn 2 Foundation, Sharlee has also been serving as the Vice President of Strategy & Development for Jeter Ventures, Derek’s array of business ventures, since 2018.

“Working alongside my brother to give back is a dream I never dreamt when I was growing up. It’s one that just happened. Thanks to his accomplishments, his dreams, and his goals,” she wrote on Instagram in 2023. “It’s truly funny how life works. And I am so blessed. I have a job that allows me to give back every single day. And I am so grateful.”

She is an author and works in publishing

Hailing from Michigan, Sharlee collaborated with her friend, Dr. Davis Sampson, in co-writing a book titled “The Stuff: Unleash Your Potential to Conquer Challenges, Soar, and Achieve Success.”

Published in 2018, this book comprises a myriad of narratives from everyday individuals who confronted formidable life challenges. Notably, it includes a foreword penned by Derek.

While initially keeping her cancer struggle confidential, Sharlee eventually came to the realization that sharing her journey could serve as a source of mental healing, both for herself and as a source of inspiration for others.

Sharlee mentioned that witnessing other people openly share their experiences to help and inspire others made her realize that she could do the same. She emphasized that if discussing her own experiences could assist or inspire someone else in overcoming their challenges, then it was a conversation worth having.

Apart from her own book accomplishments, Sharlee assumes responsibility for managing the adult and children’s divisions of Jeter Publishing, which operates under the Simon & Schuster umbrella. Notably, this imprint has gained distinction by producing a series of New York Times Best Sellers, including notable works like “The Contract” and “Hit & Miss.”

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