JOSE SANCHEZ: BEATING THE ODDS
May 15, 2009
SEASIDE, Calif. – Cal State Monterey Bay men’s basketball player Jose Sanchez was the first in his family to graduate from high school. On May 16, he will reach another milestone when he walks across the stage to receive his degree in human communication from California State University, Monterey Bay. The leadership and guidance of his mother and coaches helped him get there.
To escape the gangs, drugs and violence in his hometown of South Gate, Sanchez turned to basketball. The summer between his freshman and sophomore years at South Gate High School, he was invited by coach Al Rangel to play for the Bum Boys AAU team. Rangel became a mentor to Sanchez, someone he confided in and turned to for advice. That summer, his basketball skills improved immensely and he made the school's varsity team in his sophomore year, playing for head coach Sal Sorano.
As a result of hard work – learned as he watched his mother raise three sons while dealing with a bipolar husband – and determination to succeed, he earned numerous awards, including team MVP and Offensive Player of the Year. Sanchez led his team to back-to-back Eastern League Championships and was named Co-Player of the Year with Steve Monreal, who later became his teammate at CSU Monterey Bay.
“Jose is a true inspiration for the people of South Gate,” Sorano said. “He's a tremendous athlete.”
Sanchez was recruited to play for NCAA Division I Fresno State University. After red-shirting his freshman year, he decided the Bulldogs were not a good fit for him and transferred to CSUMB for the 2006-07 school year.
This year, Sanchez averaged 9.6 points a game while accumulating 41 3-pointers and 68 rebounds. He was a major contributor in the 54-49 overtime CCAA semifinal tournament victory over Division II national runner-up Cal Poly Pomona. In his three years at CSUMB, he is ranked fourth in career points (729) and second in 3-point field goals made (103).
"Jose has accomplished a tremendous amount in his life and he has done it with class,” said Otters head coach Rob Bishop. “It was a great pleasure to coach a young man who takes basketball very seriously but understands that his education is first and foremost.
“Coaching Jose will always be great memory for me and I know that he will succeed in whatever career path he chooses," Bishop said.
Once he has that diploma in his hands, Sanchez will have beaten all odds and plans to use his knowledge and experiences to help others with their dreams of playing basketball.
