Jayden Luckett

Jayden, Who is your hero?

I have multiple heroes in my life. Without them and the hard work they do, I would not be where I am today.

My mom is a Hero to me because she works long hard hours everyday to make sure I can get the best opportunity for education and my basketball dreams.

My dad is my Hero and a role model in my life because of the way he serves others.

My father doesn’t complain, my father doesn’t ask why, my father would do anything for anyone no matter what. I’m sure that he is where I get my kindness towards others from. He is also where I get my gifted ability to use my left hand as much as my right.

My sisters are also my hero’s for taking care of me most of my life. When my dad was deployed in the navy, and my mom was working hard towards her medical degree, my sisters stepped up and took care of me. Even to this day, my sisters continue to watch me grow up, by taking me to most of my games and school.

Lastly, my brother is my hero as well. He is a prime example in my life of how to be respectful and show kindness toward one another.

How has being a basketball player changed your life?

Basketball has connected me to amazing people, throughout my whole life. The community basketball has given me is a community like no other. I always have people I don’t even know come up to me and talk to me, and we instantly click because of our shared love for basketball. Me coming to Santa Fe was the best decision I have made in my life so far. All of my coachesactually want to see me grow in basketball, as well as my relationship with God. Ever since my first day, my coaches have put hours into training me, and sharpening my skills. I also love my new teammates! We click with each other. We all Have different gifts from one another, yet all our different gifts compliment each other in such a way that I feel not many teams in San Diego have. I am also very thankful basketball led me to Santa Fe. Everyone here has been nothing short of kind and respectful to me. Since going here, my relationship with God has grown so much! Going to Santa Fe is a blessing that no other community could have given me. I am thankful.

What advice can you share with kids about being a great basketball player and being a great human being?

I believe The hoopers of today are the future! Some advice that I want to preach to the next generation of hoopers is to not compare yourself to others. God made You uniquely, so that no one would bare your gifts. So why waste time comparing your gifts to others, and wishing you were like other people, when your gifts were meant to shine in a different area than they are. Realize that you are truly built different, build off that, and shape the future.

What do you do to ensure your mental health is as strong your physical health?

As student athlete I believe mental health is important for all. The game of basketball starts with mentality. If you do not have the mentality and work ethic to achieve what you want, you will fall short. To maintain good mental health I connect with those around me, who truly care and want to talk with me. Building community and true meaningful relationships is very important to me. I also like to disconnect to maintain good mental health as well. Whether that is spending time in my Bible, or spending time relaxing and vibing with myself, self love is an important aspect that can be easily overlooked, and can make or break someone’s career.

Jay, is there anyone you would specifically like to shout out?

I am very thankful for everyone who has connected their lives to mine. First I want to shoutout my two loving parents. They work hard every day to make sure food is on the table, a nice big roof is over my head, and nice clothes on my back. For them I work hard everyday so that one day I will repay them.

Shoutout my coaches. Coach Bickley, Coach Byrd, Coach Owen, coach Mitch, coach Terrance. They push me over the limit every workout to get the best out of me

How old are you and what is one of the biggest lessons you’ve learned so far in your life?

I am 16 years old. And the biggest lesson life has taught me so far, is that change is okay, And change is important. How do you expect to elevate without any change?

What is one of the biggest struggles you’ve faced this far and how do you overcome?

My biggest struggle right now is being hard headed. Sometimes when we don’t fully understand something, we tend to think that our way is best. I overcome this by asking the experienced adults around me for advice. And get more than one prospective on a subject that I don’t understand.

What do you wish adults would understand about young people today?

I wish that adults would understand that social media can be a great tool for us to use. The publicity I have gained in these last couple months is incredible. And it can only grow from here.

To continue following Jayden’s journey, click here.