A Letter to my basketball Family

Dear UCSB Community,
          With great thanks to everyone in the UCSB community, I announce that my final season of competitive basketball has come to an end. My four years of competing for this prestigious university have quite literally been a dream come true, but I couldn't have done it without all of you. To my coaches, teammates, family, closest friends, and—most importantly—my fans, thank you so much for standing beside me and supporting me throughout my entire athletic career.
          As far back as I can remember, I told anyone who would listen that one day I would play collegiate basketball at UCSB. Many people didn't believe me, but as I grew and matured as  a player, my dream became more and more tangible. After dedicating most of my life to basketball—a game that I love and adore—I eventually achieved my dream and stepped into The Thunderdome four years ago. Being a member of the UCSB Men's Basketball team has taken me all over the country and has introduced me to some amazing people. So, as I say goodbye to the game that has given me such incredible opportunities, I also want to express my deepest, sincerest gratitude.
          To all of my coaches at UCSB, thank you for believing in me. To my teammates, thank you for your brotherhood. To my family, thank you for the sacrifices you've made throughout my life to help make all of this possible. To my friends, thank you for supporting me and my teammates. Last and certainly not least, thank you to my fans: you've stood beside me through all my ups and downs and you've cheered your hearts out every time I stepped onto the floor. Thanks to each and every one of you, I will cherish these memories for the rest of my life.
          My final message as a member of the UCSB Men's Basketball team: follow your dreams. If you work hard enough and put in the hours, your dreams absolutely can come true.
Forever yours,
​JD Slajchert

Photography by Eric Isaacs