Joey Vergilis
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Former UC Santa Barbara basketball player, author and philanthropist JD Slajchert is adding new chapters to an already remarkable journey.
Slajchert recently became an Adjunct Professor at California Lutheran University in his hometown of Thousand Oaks, where he teaches a course focused on public speaking and helping students effectively master and tell their own stories. The role marks another milestone for the author of MoonFlower and Darling, You’re Not Alone, whose career has been built around storytelling, advocacy and inspiring others.
Now, Slajchert’s own story is heading to the screen. VictoryRoad Studios is producing a feature documentary chronicling the life-changing friendship between Slajchert and Luc Bodden, a young boy who tirelessly battled Sickle Cell Disease.
“This documentary has been unfolding in the background of my life for the past year. At its core is my relationship with Luc, how he changed my life, who I was before I met him, and who I became after his tragic passing. I believe this project can help raise awareness about sickle cell disease and serve as a beacon of hope for others,” said Slajchert”
During Slajchert’s basketball playing career, Bodden became one of his biggest supporters. Their unlikely bond would ultimately change the course of Slajchert’s life, leading him to co-found The LucStrong Foundation and write his debut novel, MoonFlower. Bodden passed away in 2016 at the age of 10.
Directed and executive produced by Mike Basone, founder and CEO of VictoryRoad Studios, the documentary follows Slajchert’s journey from basketball standout to author, speaker and advocate.
Slajchert believes the documentary is arriving at the right time, as audiences increasingly seek authentic, real-life stories.
“The documentary world is booming right now,” Slajchert said. “With so much AI-generated content and fiction saturating the market, people are looking for something real. They want to watch documentaries, learn about others and connect with genuine human experiences.”
“This project can generate a lot of exposure and, hopefully, even find a place at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival,” Slajchert said.
The film is slated to debut exclusively on VictoryRoad+, the studio’s new streaming platform featuring sports documentaries and unscripted programming.
Beyond education and filmmaking, Slajchert is also making waves in the fashion industry through a partnership with 27 Miles, the Malibu-based luxury cashmere brand who have a store in heart of Montecito. The company recently styled him in a lightweight suit from its Italian division, Vallorani, highlighting a collaboration that blends California style with Italian craftsmanship.
With a new teaching role, a major documentary in development and growing opportunities in fashion, Slajchert continues to expand his influence while staying rooted in the message that first defined his career: the power of human connection and storytelling.
To keep up with JD Slajchert, follow him on Instagram, subscribe to his YouTube channel , or visit his website for the latest updates on his projects, speaking engagements and upcoming documentary.
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