Jay Araya '21 Recruiting Profile

I can't remember the first time I picked up a basketball.  I can look at pictures of my 2 year old self wearing a headband and over-sized gym shorts and build memories of them.  Many would think that having a dad who is a basketball coach would be the main motivation for me reaching my goals.  Watching my older brother succeed on and off the court is actually what drives me to reach my goals.  Not just his individual accomplishments or his school records he holds, but more importantly leading his team to a section final game is what a goal I intend to reach.  In the end he rode his academic accomplishments to attend University of the Pacific and graduate in 3 1/2 years.

Seeing what my brother accomplished and now my older sister about to graduate high school and go to CSU Stanislaus, I've seen what it takes to reach the next level.  Now I want to make my own path.  I want to be part of a winning program and winning culture at the next level.  I want to lead a group of guys that all have the same purpose.  I want to receive my college diploma and look back and know that I've set that example for my younger sister.  The same way my brother set that example for me.