Jayden Gray
Jayden, who is your hero?
My hero is my mom and dad. I’ve seen my dad change communities through sports, change kids lives and get them into college, bring life back into schools and it showed how much a game could change people’s lives. My mom works night shifts almost every day and puts up with me and my brother and sister. She rarely misses a tournament or a game. Shes willing to do anything to get me where I need to go.
How has being a basketball player changed your life?
It has taken over my life and given me so many opportunities on and off the court. I’m going to a good school with good education. I have one offer and that will make my mom and dad not have to pay for my school.
What advice can you share with kids about being a great basketball player and being a great human being?
Always be confident in yourself, if you aren’t no one will.
What do you do to ensure your mental health is as strong as your physical health?
Talk to my friends. One of my friends told me that it is okay to have feelings. At first I didn’t understand but now we talk about our feelings and we help each other out always. Being high level athletes we definitely understand each other better. It‘s important to keep good people around me.
What does self love mean to you?
I honestly haven’t figured that out yet but I think it’s about loving yourself and who you are as a person. You know more about yourself more than anyone else, so love yourself and you’ll be cool.
Who in your life brings you love and encouragement?
The whole Prospect family. Everyone supports everyone and it is such a family atmosphere and such a great place to be. They always have my back and I never doubt that.
How old are you and what is the biggest lesson you have learned in your life?
I am 15 years old. You only get what you put in. I work out hard and get in game results. Games become easy. If you study hard on a test you’re more than likely to get a good grade. Easier said than done though.
How do you overcome challenges?
I simply just keep going. Life won’t stay hard forever. There will be more good than bad if you keep going.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Have a killer mindset no matter what it is. If it’s school or basketball or even rock paper scissors, have that mindset and just work hard.
What gets you up in the morning?
I have a lot but one of them is I don’t just do this for myself, I do this for the people who believe in me, to prove them right so I can’t let them or myself down.
What are your biggest dreams?
My dream is to obviously to play professional basketball. But I also want to come back and change San Diego when I’m older. San Diego is a great city, I love it, but watching my dad change lives, I want to do the same thing through the game just like him.
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