Sophomore guard Spenser Schulte has played his fair share of basketball, and though the road hasn’t always been smooth, the love for the game has helped him to push through adversity.
From Dos Pueblos high school, to Sacramento State University and now at Moorpark College, Schulte has bounced around a bit, but has found some common ground with the Raiders.
Originally from Santa Barbara, Schulte has been playing basketball since he was a young child, and hasn’t stopped.
“My dad bought me a little hoop [and I’ve] been playing ever since,” said Schulte.
Schulte’s Division I stint with the Sacramento State Hornets was where he experienced his greatest memory as a basketball player.
“I played at Marquette University, it was on ESPN, and my parents taped it…was probably the coolest experience of my life,” said Schulte. “It was insane.”
Yet for Schulte basketball was not always easy, and he has not always seen basketball in his future despite the love he has for it.
There is more to basketball then the game itself; diligent work must be performed to enhance your game and keep you playing at a high level, whether it is in practice, the film room or personal training.
Sometimes this can be a struggle; it takes a lot of work and sometimes can even wear out someone who has a strong passion for it.
“Basketball can be pretty stressful sometimes…with school and traveling. It’s been a struggle sometimes,” he said. “Sometimes I kind of wanted to be like a regular college kid and just kind of relax and enjoy school a little, without having to be so stressed out everyday playing basketball,” he said.
These feelings led Schulte to even begin contemplating quitting the game of basketball.
“Last year was the first year of my life I thought about quitting,” he said. “I just thought about putting my education first…”
However, this changed quickly once the regular season began.
“Once the season starts everything gets washed away, every game, and watching my parents and family come watch me…so proud of me,” said Schulte. “All that stuff motivates me to continue playing.”
After leaving Sacramento State Schulte found himself back at Moorpark where he has become a leader on the Raiders’ basketball team.
Coach Remy McCarthy is happy to have Schulte on the team this year as his hard work and dedication have made him an important piece to the Raiders success
“Spenser takes the game very seriously,” McCarthy said. “He’s the first one in the gym everyday along with Mike Meza. He’s going to put time into his craft.”
Schulte still has his goals in mind for the future and hopes to not only finish school but also possibly continue his basketball career.
“I’m hoping I’ll have my degree because education is more important to me to be honest, but I’m hoping I’ll have my career done, maybe play overseas for a couple years.” he said.
