After phone call that changed his life, Unioto’s Jaydence Gaus playing in honor of his mother

Brock Netter, Staff Writer

Southern Ohio Sports Authority is presented by OhioHealth.

CHILLICOTHE — August 29, 2022. 

For most people, it was just an average Monday. But for Unioto’s Jaydence Gaus, what started out as a normal day turned out to be his worst nightmare. 

Jaydence has always had a close relationship with his mom. Whether it was talking everyday, learning from her, spending time with her, playing jokes on one another, or listening to her favorite song — Let It All Work Out by Lil Wayne — the two had an unbreakable bond.

He always had someone he could turn to for whatever reason. 

Then he got a phone call. 

“I had a normal day at school and everything was fine. So I went home for a little bit before coming back and getting on the bus since we had an away game at Fairfield Union that night,” Gaus recalled. “It was a normal bus ride, and then my cousin called me and said that they had found my mom unconscious in somebody’s basement.

“I was really confused and she said that no one had been able to get in contact with my mom all day. I started calling my family members, my grandma, sister and cousins, but no one knew what was going on, either. There was a lot of panic within my family and then my sister called me back.” 

In the blink of an eye, the unthinkable was confirmed. 

His best friend, and mother, Davida Dere, at the age of 38, was gone. Jaydence’s entire world was completely turned upside down. 

“My mind went blank and the world just stopped. I didn’t want to believe it. I was angry, sad and felt all of these other emotions,” Gaus said. “But I knew there was nothing I could do.”

Unioto’s bus made it to Fairfield Union, and Gaus took a little bit of a walk to try and process everything that had just happened. He ended up playing in the game, a 2-1 Sherman victory, and while the game gave him a couple hours to relieve his mind, reality soon crept back into his thoughts.

“One of my friend’s mom came up and hugged me, told me everything was going to be alright, but I didn’t know if that was true,” Gaus said. “My mom was my absolute world and my rock. She was always there for me through thick and thin, always there to joke with, talk to and have fun with.” 

Gaus openly admits that his personality isn’t one to just open up and ask someone for help. He stayed to himself, dealing with all his emotions and coping with his sudden loss the best way he could. 

However, his teammates rallied around him and picked him up anytime and anyway they possibly could. 

In the Shermans’ game against Zane Trace, the team surprised their defensive back before the game with grey shirts that had the hashtag #doitforDAVIDA30 on the back of them, letting him know they had his back and they’re all in it together.  

“I have no idea whose idea it was to make the shirts. I’m guessing a parent’s idea, but it was a really nice gesture and I’m truly appreciative for it,” Gaus said. “It’s something I’ll always cherish because I can wear it at all times and keep my mom’s memory alive.”

Since that dark August 29th day, the Shermans have gone 13-1 on the field, and currently are riding a 12-game winning streak at 17-1 overall.

And despite all the turmoil, Gaus hasn’t missed a single game. He continues to lace up his cleats and take his defensive back position, playing the game that he enjoys the most. 

“Soccer has allowed me to keep my mind off of some things and just be able to get away mentally from certain things,” Gaus said. “It’s time I have with my friends since we are truly a brotherhood and it’s something that I can enjoy for a few hours a day.” 

As the Shermans head into a Division II district semifinal against Gallia Academy, Gaus knows the task at hand and he’s ready for the moment. 

Being that he didn’t play much last year during Unioto’s state semifinal run, now is his chance to make his impact and he’s going to lay it all on the line — for his team and for his best friend.

It’s the way his mom would want him to play.

“It makes me sad, but there’s also some happiness as well,” Gaus said. “Nothing beats having her here in person to watch, but I know she’s watching over me and she’s proud of me with everything that I do. She always told me that she’s proud of me and that no matter what I do in life, she just wants me to be happy. And that’s what I’m going to try to do since I know that me being happy would make her happy.”