From Havoc to Success: A story of Abandonment and Rescue

Men's Basketball | 12/19/2017 3:15:00 PM

Since I was in middle school, I dreamed about becoming a D1 college basketball player. I grew up watching March Madness and college teams on ESPN. I'm here on D1 roster and soaking in every moment like it's my last. I've been through a lot of struggles and obstacles in my life to get here.
 
At the age of 13, I was kicked out by my troubled parents who lived in a poverty neighborhood. From that point on I spent a lot of my time figuring out where I would be sleeping each night.  A couple of nights I ended up sleeping outside.  Bouncing from home to home and sleeping at multiple friend's houses took its toll on me and others. I had to grow up quick and I realized that I was on my own.  
 
After receiving a call from a friend who said,'Hey man, my mom put your things outside and told me you need to leave.' I was devastated and emotional and back on the streets again with nowhere to go.
 
Throughout the two and half years of being on my own, I was playing (AAU basketball). Reed Hopkins (my teammate) and his family opened their doors and gave me a home in Spokane Wash.
 
Reed Hopkins and his family helped me through this grieving moment in life. We agreed on the Hopkins letting me live with them. Two days before school began I was in Spokane and attending Gonzaga Preparatory High School with a wonderful loving family.
 
At the end of my sophomore year, my one year stay at the Hopkins was up. I had to find another place to live. I was thankful and respectful for the Hopkins graciousness.
 
To be honest, without the Hopkins I would have not met the Miller family who adopted me.
 
Matt Miller is the guy who changed my life completely. He talked his parents, Jill Miller and Ron Miller, into taking me in and from the beginning they have treated me like their own son. Immediately they took action and became my legal guardians.
 
We have never looked back and I've been a part of their family for six years now.  They tell me they don't even remember life without me!   I would not be the man I am today if it wasn't for my family, the Millers.
 
Through this chaos I was able to always strive to become a college basketball player. Being 5'7 scared a lot of coaches off.
 
Coaches making comments about me being too small and not good enough to play at the next level was discouraging. That never made me stop working hard. If anything I think it adds more fuel to the fire.
 
I redshirted at Carroll College straight out of high school. Then I transferred to a junior college, North Idaho College for two years.
 
Going from a NAIA player and looking at the opportunity I have now at the D1 level  is truly amazing. I'm just blessed to get an education and earn a full ride here at Idaho State University.
          
Bill Evans gave this little guy a chance. I just want to say thank you to him and previous coaches that believed in me.
 
I don't regret or wish my life was different. These obstacles in life define who I am today. Two things that I tell myself every day is:  one be the nicest person everyday and two be the hardest worker everyday.
 
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