More Than a Game: CIAA Athletes Uncovered 

Episode 3: “Mr. Make It Happen”

Featuring: Zyaire Tart – Virginia Union University 
*Junior Return Specialist | NCAA Leader in Punt Return Average 

Charlotte, NC (November 13, 2025) - They call him Mr. Make It Happen, and that’s exactly what he does every snap, every return, every moment that matters. Zyaire Tart has become one of the most electric players in Division II football, leading the nation in punt return average and helping power Virginia Union’s remarkable season. But behind the highlights is a young man driven by faith, family, and a deep love for his teammates. His story isn’t just about big plays, it’s about brotherhood, growth, and gratitude for the opportunity to do what he loves every day. 

Q&A: Zyaire Tart — “Mr. Make It Happen” Interviewed and Edited by: Matisse Lee, CIAA 

1. Virginia Union has been on an incredible run this season. What’s been the mindset in the locker room as you’ve climbed to the top of the national stats? 
"PLAY411; play for the person next to you. I know my brother next to me will do his job, and I do what I need to do. We check on each other mentally, make sure we go to class, make sure we’re doing our assignments. We don’t even have to check on each other for football because that comes naturally." 

2. You were named CIAA Special Teams Player of the Year last season, and you’ve taken it up another level. What did you focus on improving coming into this year? 
"I came from another school. I came here to play with some “DAWGS”. I saw what this program did for my cousin, Jada Byers, he grew up a lot. We come from a place that’s not so safe, and I watched him grow. I knew coming to VUU would make me mature and become a man. The coaches were honest and straightforward. I changed my mindset from ‘I have to do punt returns’ to ‘I get to do punt returns.’ God gave me this ability and I am grateful I get to use it. I learned there’s nothing wrong with following a leader who’s doing something right." 

3. Punt returning requires confidence and quick decision-making. What goes through your mind when that ball is in the air? 
"Am I going to get taken out? I don’t want to be selfish and be out for games. I just want to make sure I get a good read on the ball and track it down right." 

4. What’s been your favorite return or most memorable special teams’ moment this season? 
"My 70-plus-yard touchdown at Bluefield State. My teammates stuck with me and executed in the best way. It was an amazing feeling." 

5. What does it mean to represent Virginia Union and the CIAA on a national stage? 
"It means the world. But it’s not just me, it’s PLAY411. We as a team are excited to represent the students of VUU, our alumni, the CIAA, and Division II sports. We want to make history and let everyone know VUU is nothing to play with." 

6. How do you handle the pressure of being a top player, especially when everyone is game planning to stop you? 
"I never look at it as pressure. I’m blessed to do this every day. I practice every day for these moments, and during game time, I just get to show my confidence." 

7. When football is over, what kind of legacy do you hope to leave at Virginia Union? 
"I want them to say I was a good person, I went to class, I was mature, I was a game-changer. I was Mr. Make It Happen." 

8. What’s the biggest message the coaching staff has emphasized going into this matchup? 
"Do your part. Execute. Don’t make the moment bigger than what it is. PLAY411." 

Coach’s Corner — Coach Parker on Zyaire Tart 

"Zyaire is a special team’s catalyst. He came to us this year and many people forgot he was the CIAA special team player of the year last year. So, we knew that he was a great addition from the start of his tenure here at VUU. He has worked very hard and it shows weekly. It’s getting to the point where teams don’t even want to kick him, so we must be creative as coaching staff to make sure he still gets those touches. He’s really shown maturity this season and has become a sight to see. 

He is a team guy; very selfless. Zyaire’s growth has been incredible. I’m super proud of him and what he’s accomplishing, and excited for his future. He’s funny, humble, a good teammate, and he truly loves football. The recognition he’s getting is well deserved.”