Overcoming the Odds: Aubry-Thomas Named 3C4A Student-Athlete Achievement Award Winner
SANTA MARIA, Calif. - Sophomore men's basketball student-athlete, Tasson Aubry-Thomas, was named the 2020-21 California Community College Counselors/Advisors Academic Association for Athletics (3C4A) Student-Athlete Achievement Award Winner. The award, given annually by the 3C4A, honors a male and female student-athlete who have overcome great personal, academic, and/or emotional odds to achieve success while participating in intercollegiate athletics.
The South Central Los Angeles native grew up facing a life of fighting: fighting for survival, fighting for community, for purpose, and fighting for life against a justice system designed to lock him away. He grew up in an area where shootings and violence led to a desensitization of what normal and safe living could look like. A childhood full of struggle eventually led Aubry-Thomas to join the basketball team in high school, a decision that was viewed as an "odds-defying" move in and of itself. Basketball presented Aubry-Thomas with a number of life experiences and lessons as he worked to pivot the direction his life was headed. "Basketball became my safe haven when I felt my world was crashing down," he shared. "I'd go to the gym or stay late after practice when I had a rough day didn't want to go home. Sometimes it felt like there was nothing but negativity around me, but on that court all I ever felt was peace."
Heading into his senior season, Aubry-Thomas began to heavily focus on finding the same success in the classroom that he had found on the court. He began finding tutors, sitting in the front of the classroom, missing practice to study when needed, and engaging more in his study materials. When the recruiting process began, Aubry-Thomas knew that finding a community college away from home was the best route to pursue for him to succeed. Allan Hancock was one of many campuses that Aubry-Thomas visited while trying to determine where to begin his next chapter. "The atmosphere, the energy, how I was greeted at the door, and the guys on the floor made Allan Hancock feel like home," he added, "It's like a big family with everyone united and I knew I wanted to be here and further my education."
Since attending AHC, Aubry-Thomas has paved a new path for his future and is succeeding on and off the court. "I grew up here and have learned a lot of life lessons," he shared. "I've made lifelong friends and created bonds that I wouldn't have made anywhere else. I love everyone from the athletic staff, the fans, the administration, and my boys on the team. The team and support system I've picked up here have played a big role in molding me into the man I am today. No one here has given up on me and I owe everything I've become to my family here."
In January, Aubry-Thomas welcomed a beautiful daughter into the world. "Ayla is the light of my life and I know she wants nothing more than to see daddy succeed," he shared. "So now I got even more motivation to make it out and become who I can be and also make sure she never has to grow up in any situations I did."
In 2019, Aubry-Thomas was averaging 11.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game before suffering a season-ending injury. He has worked hard to regain his health and strength and is anticipated to take the floor with the Bulldogs on Friday, March 5th, for the first time since November 2019. Aubry-Thomas is set to graduate this spring with an ADT degree in Communications and intends to continue his academic and athletic careers at the next level.
"I've come a long way but honestly it's only the beginning. I'm 20 years old and if I'm lucky enough I've got my whole life ahead of me. I thank God constantly for the blessings I've received and how he continues to bless me and guide me in my journey. Without him and the faith he put in others regarding me and how they believed in me, I don't know where I'd be," he stated. "Anything can happen, just don't let the pressure you're facing make or break you. There's a saying a good friend of mine told me which is 'Pressure bursts pipes... but pressure makes diamonds. Be the diamond.'"
Aubry-Thomas will be recognized virtually at the Celebration of Scholar-Athletes during the California Community College Athletic Association Annual Convention.
The 3C4A is an organization established to bring together individuals who provide academic counseling, advisement, and assistance for student-athletes at the California community college level. For more information on the 3C4A, please visit their website at www.3c4a.org.